Speak out to the Napa DA in support of just punishment for felons who steal grapes

The value of the grapes makes this a felony not a misdemeanor!

I feel your pain. But, I also would think the DA won't allow the reduction of the crime without full restitution and probation, so if he does not pay the restitution he would get the jail time. If he is in jail he cannot exactly pay you back - that said, if convicted, doesn't he lose any license he may have to be in the business? Tough position to be in.

Hill should be punished to the full extent of the law.

I cannot believe this crime has been reduced to a misdemeanor. Typical special treatment of a special interest. I would not expect to see this kind of behavior by a DA.

This crime should be considered a Felony not a misdemeanor.

Given the significance of the crime, pleading guilty should not allow a reduction in the charge. If that occurs it would set a very dangerous precedent.

Mr Hills theft is clear cause for a felony conviction and incarceration. Please treat it as such.

Thanks to proposition ab 109 & 47 I doubt they will convict him to any jail time unfortunately. So sorry for your loss!! I pray they make him pay restitution to you!!!!!!!

Anyone who steals will do it again, he should not get any sort of reduced sentence.

Grand Theft, minimum 16 mo. up to and exceeding 4 years. Done.

I totally agree with Dave Del Dotto and believe Mr. Hill should be convicted of a felony and not be allowed to avoid jail time. Losses like this can mean the difference between making a living and going bust in the wine business. Thefts of grapes should be discouraged through stiff punishments.

This is a significant crime warranting at least some level of incarceration as well as restitution for the grapes not recovered.

To me it doesn't matter whether a person is stealing grapes or cars, a thief is a thief. If you are pleading guilty to a felony theft with a value in the hundreds of thousands of dollars you absolutely should not be considered for a reduced charge to a misdemeanor. I think it is ludicrous that a district attorney would even consider such a reduction. A case such as this, especially in the Napa Valley is so important and the right message needs to be sent to the individual charged in this case. Anything less than incarceration would be unacceptable for this crime.

Do not let this thief back into the community without serving time for his criminal offense!

This crime should be punished to the full extent of the law. Anything less is an open invitation for others to get away with theft.

Jeffrey Hill deserves severe punishment for his crimes. A plea agreement to reduce felony to a misdemeanor, and dismiss one of the thefts is not the right thing to do!

Justice for Del Dotto & Vitners

I am also a grower of avocados, which are often stolen in bulj by crews . We must take a hard line against theft of these valuable crops. There is no deterrent if the crime is akin to stealing a single loaf of bread. The ultimate value of these grapes is significant and should be recognized.

Definite jail time and should be a felony.

This is a very serious crime its not like a kid walking down the street and noticed some grapes and decided to take a few. This was done with intention to harm another livelihood which should be fiercely protected.