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: Southern California Criminal Defense Blog

When Petty Theft Can Turn into Commercial Burglary in California and How an Experienced Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You - California Penal Code Sections 484 and 459

By Walin & Klarich

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Under California law, petty theft is described as the taking of property of another valued at $400 or less. A first offense can be charged as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum sentence of six months in county jail. Commercial burglary under California law is described as entering any structure other than a residence with the intent to commit grand or petty theft or any felony therein. Commercial burglary is a ?wobbler? under California law, which means that the offense can be charged as a misdemeanor OR a felony, depending on the circumstances of each case. A commercial burglary conviction can carry a maximum sentence of three years in state prison. Many people are surprised when they are arrested for what they believe to be the relatively minor crime of petty theft but are actually arrested for and charged with commercial burglary in California...continue to full post

Full post as published by Southern California Criminal Defense Blog on April 11, 2010 (boomark / email).