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Grand Theft vs. Petty Theft in California

By Neil Shous, Esq.

The two most common California theft crimes are Penal Code 487 Grand Theft and Penal Code 488 Petty Theft. Both crimes are identical except for one distinction: the value of the property stolen. Theft of property worth more than $400 constitutes grand theft and property worth $400 or less is considered petty theft. A grand theft charge is considerably more serious than petty theft. Penal Code 488 is a pure misdemeanor and carries a maximum sentence of 6 months county jail. Penal Code 487 on the other hand can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony. As a felony, California grand theft carries up to 3 years in state prison. It makes sense that the value of the stolen merchandise should affect the seriousness of the charge; however, the $400 threshold is rather arbitrary...continue to full post

Full post as published by California Criminal Defense Blog on July 24, 2009 (boomark / email).