Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
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Every crime in California is defined by a specific code section. Our attorneys explain the law, penalties and best defense strategies for every major crime in California.
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If you’ve been arrested for theft in California, whether you face a felony charge or a misdemeanor charge largely depends on the value of the property you are accused of stealing.
Generally, if you are charged with theft of property valued at $950 or less, it will constitute “petty theft” and be prosecuted as a California misdemeanor. (California Penal Code Section 484). For theft of property valued at more than $950, it constitutes “grand theft” and be can be prosecuted as a California felony. (California Penal Code Section 487).
There are actually five misdemeanor California theft offenses, depending on how the allegedly stolen property was acquired:
(Judicial Council of California Criminal Jury Instructions 1800 – Theft by Larceny (Pen. Code, § 484))
Note that you can be charged with shoplifting simply for having the intent to steal even if you don’t succeed in actually making it out the door.
If you’ve been charged with a California misdemeanor theft offense, an experienced California theft crimes lawyer can work with you to fight and defeat the charges against you. Give us a call today to discuss your case and explore your options.
A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.