CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Grand Theft

Grand Theft: Understanding the Crime and Its Penalties in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, stealing someone else’s property is considered a serious offense and is punishable under the California Penal Code. Specifically, California Penal Code 487 PC deals with grand theft, which refers to taking physical possession of someone else’s tangible property worth $950 or more with the intention of depriving the rightful owner of its use. On the other hand, the crime of petty theft, which involves taking tangible property valued under $950, is described in California Penal Code Sections 484(a) PC and 488 PC. In other states, this crime is referred to as “larceny.”

If you are charged with grand theft, it is essential to take the matter seriously since a conviction can result in severe penalties and have significant consequences in many areas of your life. A knowledgeable Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal rights and create a defense strategy that will lead to the possible outcome.

Grand Theft Penalties

Grand theft is a serious crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the prosecutor’s discretion. The punishments can range, but if the crime involved taking a firearm, it must be charged as a felony, and the perpetrator can face up to three years in state prison. Even if the value of the stolen property lies below $950, grand theft penalties can still apply to registered sex offenders or those with prior felony convictions such as child molestation, murder, or sexual violence.

For misdemeanor grand theft, the penalties can include up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For felony grand theft, the perpetrator may be sentenced to county jail time of up to three years with a fine of a maximum of $10,000 or probation. If the crime involves the theft of high-value items, the perpetrator may receive additional state prison sentences that must be served consecutively. Penalties for items valued over $65,000 include a year in state prison, while those valued over $3,200, 000 may result in four years’ imprisonment.

Related Crimes

Apart from grand theft, there are several other types of theft recognized under the California Penal Code:

Theft by False Pretenses

Under California Penal Code 532 PC, it is illegal to use a misrepresentation of the facts to obtain someone else’s property voluntarily. Though the gift may be voluntary, the fact that the person obtained the property through false pretenses constitutes a type of theft. Depending on the property’s value, the act can be deemed petty theft or grand theft, and the penalties imposed are similar to grand theft.

Theft by Trick

Theft by trick involves the possession, but not the ownership, of stolen property. It is similar to theft by false pretenses and is described in California Penal Code 484 PC.

Robbery

Robbery is deemed illegal under California Penal Code 211, covering the act of taking someone else’s property through force or threat of force. The state will prosecute robbery as a felony.

Final Thoughts

Not only do grand theft convictions carry penalties, but they also become a matter of public record that significantly impacts your future quality of life in Los Angeles. Therefore, suppose you have been accused of grand theft. In that case, it is vital to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will help protect your legal rights and create a defense strategy that will lead to the possible outcome for you.