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

People who commit crimes need to be punished for the crimes that they commit and not a reduction of the sentence. This would lessen crimes across the country, as criminals would be less likely to commit those crimes.

Having overcrowded jails need not deter just punishment . However, jail time plus wage garnishment and/or enforced appropriate community service as well as a personality adjustment ( is there a treatment for greed ?) ought to be considered. All employers out there are encouraged to conduct background checks of potential employees. Decide based on crime, restitution and job if hiring is worth it. All whom are able must find a legal avenue to pay their way rather than dependency on the tax payer .

Prosecute to the full extent of the law.

This was a deliberate act and should be a felony just for the amount of money lost by Del Dotto.

Plea bargains have their time and place but I do not think this is one of them! I hope that the DA puts the seriousness of the crime to a winegrower's livelihood when making this decision.

My wife and I are employed at a winery. The intergity and honesty of winery employees is paramount in this industry. I oppose any reduction in the remaining charge against Mr. Hill. I do not even agree with dropping one of the charges.

As a Santa Cruz Mountains winery employee, I find it appalling that a vineyard manager would steal grapes from the owner. I not only disagree with the dropped charge but totally oppose any reduction for the remaing charge. It should stay as a felony.

As we all know, land is one the the most important factors in growing excellent grapes. It's location, region, soil, sun exposure, moisture, etc to growing the varietal of grapes. If taking one's most precious factor to making an excellent wine becomes a slap on the wrist, what prevents this in becoming a common crime? Don't allow this to continue!

As a Santa Cruz Mountains winery employee, I find it appalling that a vineyard manager would steal grapes from the owner. I not only disagree with the dropped charge but totally oppose any reduction for the remaing charge. It should stay as a felony.

That's definitely a felony given the value and a lost like that would force a lot of other smaller business to close their doors. It would mine!

As a US citizen, resident of California and long time supporter of businesses in Napa and Sonoma counties I strongly oppose the lowering of this crime from a felony to a misdemeanor!

This is not a misdameanor its a crime that needs to be punished. It is no different than robbing a bank. Wake up Napa your making a decision for the world.

Mr. Hill should be prosecuted and sentenced to jail for theis crime of theft.

Not considering the actions of 'Mr.' (in this case, a synonym for A.H.) Hill a felony is absolutely outrageous! What kind of message is this intended to convey to unprincipled individuals willing to risk a 'slap on the wrist' for a high-profit crime? This seems to make the stealing business a viable career path.

This theft is a loss that hurts all those associated with the Del Dotto Family and should not be taken lightly. AB

Agree.

It's hard to believe the theft of grapes with a potential retail retail value of $800,000 can be deemed a misdemeanor? In any court of law this would be considered this grand theft. It is unfathomable any court of law would consider this a misdemeanor and the fear is it will encourage other with a misguided sense of judgement to steal. If found guilty the least Mr. Hill should pay is restitution twice the value of the grapes he stole plus be required to submit to serve time in public service during the harvest for the next several years.

I support Desiree Del Dotto's reasoning. No one should be allowed to receive advantage from illegal acts. One of the ways they gain advantage is by getting felony charges treated as misdemeanors. I agree with her reasoning, that if Mr. Hill's actions are treated anything less than a felony, it entices others to commit the same kinds of acts. This would undermine the sanctity and security of this precious region, perhaps lead to armed patrols guarding vineyards, drones, thus transforming our beloved Napa Valley into an unwelcoming place.

this crime should be consistent with the amount stolen whether grapes or gold...

I too have been a victim of theft in my home. Less than 3 months ago, someone came in my home and stole all my jewelry. I just heard the stats in San Jose that last year, small businesses and individuals were robbed of over $80 million. My criminals were never found and most of the time they are not. When we DO catch them, they should suffer the full penalty of a felony. We do not need these people walking our streets and stealing from hard working individuals and businesses. Please do not reduce this act to a misdemeanor. Please make this man have jail time and give the victims a little bit of justice. Do not be lenient, he did the crime, let him do the time. Thank you