California Petty Theft
What is petty theft in California?
- Under California law, petty theft is defined as the act of stealing goods valued at less than $400.
- This is most common in the charge of shoplifting, when an individual does not pay the asking price for merchandise by either walking out of the store without paying for the item or switching price tags, or other type of deceitful acts.
- If the stolen goods are valued under $50, the charge may be reduced to an infraction and the defendant may be able to avoid a criminal record.
- Grand theft is a different type of theft than petty theft and involves the theft of goods valued at over $400. These goods are often automobiles or other expensive items such as electronics, stereos, televisions, etc.
- Petty Theft in the California Penal Code
- Felony petty theft is the colloquial term for a statue in California Penal Code Section 666. This statue makes it possible for a person who commits the crime of petty theft to be charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor if the accused had previously been convicted of a theft-related crime at any time in the past.
- The technical name for the charge is petty theft with a prior.
- Therefore, petty theft can become a very serious charge for an individual with past theft convictions.
- Individuals convicted of petty theft can face fines of up to $400 and imprisonment in county jail for up to 6 months.
- Repeat offenders may face imprisonment in state prison for up to 16 months.
- Grand theft sentences vary from one year in county jail to 16 months in state prison.
- Petty theft is a criminal conviction and can change your opportunities for employment and your future interactions with the criminal justice system.
- Don’t risk it! If you, a family member, or friend is facing a petty theft charge, it is best to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
- For the best petty theft defense in Los Angeles, contact The Law Offices of Erik S. Lewin.
