California’s law on grand theft under penal code 487(a) defines grand theft as the intentional taking away of the property of another when the property or services stolen was worth more than $9501.
(Watch this video to learn)
- The court process for grand theft charges
- Defenses we can use in court
What is Considered Grand Theft?
The elements of a “grand theft” depend on the type of grand theft that is involved (discussed in more detail in the next section).
To prove that you are guilty of grand theft, a prosecutor has to show the following:
- The defendant committed theft.
- The property’s value was over $9502.
If the value of the stolen property is $950 or less, the theft is considered to be “petty theft” pursuant to California Penal Code Section 484.
Examples of Grand Theft Under Penal Code 487
- Stealing jewelry from a jewelry store that is valued over $950.
- Removing a wallet from a woman’s purse that is physically touching the rightful owner.3
- Stealing computers or mobile devices.
Is Grand Theft a Misdemeanor or Felony?
Prosecutors have discretion when filing misdemeanor or felony charges and this decision is based on a variety of factors including the following4:
- The total value of the property that was alleged to have been stolen.
- How the crime was alleged to have been carried out including if there was any violence or threat of violence to victims.
- The criminal history of the individual or individuals involved, especially if there are convictions for similar crimes in the defendant’s past.
Which Office Prosecutes The Case?
The district attorney’s office typically handle felonies and the city attorney’s office handle misdemeanors. Some jurisdictions only have a district attorney’s office which handles both.
What Legal Defenses Exist For Grand Theft Charges?
You Believed That The Property Belonged To You
If the property actually belonged to you or if you honestly but mistakenly thought that the property you took belonged to you, you are not guilty of grand theft.
This additionally shows that your intent was not to take the property; rather to claim or re-claim what you thought was rightfully yours.
You Had Consent From The Owner
If the owner of the property that you allegedly stole gave you permission to take the property, you are not guilty of grand theft.
The Value Of The Property Was Less Than $950
If the alleged victim, when making a report to law enforcement, indicates that the property stolen is worth $950 or more the officer will immediately write up a report with the recommendation that prosecutors file charges of a violation of PC 487.
Once the defense can show that the correct valuation of the property is actually less than $950, it will become clear to the prosecutor, the Judge, and the jury that the appropriate charge was not filed in this case and that it should be reevaluated as such.
Penalties For Grand Theft
Grand theft is a wobbler offense which means it can be charged either as a misdemeanor or felony offense.
The level of the penalty depends on the facts of the case and your criminal history.
| Penalty | Misdemeanor | Felony |
|---|---|---|
| Probation | Not mandatory | Felony probation |
| Jail or Prison | Up to 1 year County Jail | Up to 1 year County Jail, or 16 months, 2 or 3 years in state prison subject to Penal Code 1170(h)(1) |
Is There Potential For Additional Penalties?
If there are multiple charges of theft, whether grand or petty theft, and the aggregate loss exceeds any of the statutory minimums in California Penal Code Section 12022.6(a), and the thefts arise from a common scheme or plan, an additional prison term may be imposed.
If the aggregate loss exceeds statutory amounts ranging from $50,000 to $2.5 million and the theft arises from a common scheme or plan, an additional term of one to four years may be imposed.5
Resources On The Criminal Court Process & Related Charges
The following links have additional information regarding the criminal court process:
These offenses can be charged in addition to a grand theft charge as concurrent charges:
Next Steps If You Need Help
If you have been arrested and would like to learn more about how attorneys charge.
If you want to understand why its important to have an attorney represent you.
If you would like to discuss a pending case with an attorney contact the Aizman Law Firm at 818-351-9555 for a free confidential consultation.
Request A Free Consultation
818-351-9555
Footnotes
- Grand Theft of Property or Services. Pen. Code, § 487(a) [property or services exceeding $950 in value] [↩]
- The value of the stolen item(s) is determined by the fair market value if it involves property. If it involves services, the value is determined by the contract price if there was a contract, or the reasonable value/rate for services in the area if there was no contract [↩]
- People v. Williams (1992) 9 Cal.App.4th 1465,1472 [12 Cal.Rptr.2d 243], People v. Huggins (1997) 51 Cal.App.4th 1654, 1656–1657 [60 Cal.Rptr.2d 177] [↩]
- Penal Code 489 PC [↩]
- Pen. Code, § 12022.6(a)(1)–(4); see People v. Daniel (1983) 145 Cal.App.3d 168, 174–175 [193 Cal.Rptr. 277] [no error in refusing to give unanimity instruction]. [↩]
