There are many theft crimes that you can be charged with in California. It is true that some are “worse” than others, but it is also true that they are all serious and should be treated as such. Keep reading to get answers to questions you might have about petty theft charges in California, and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 if you require a free legal consultation.
What is Petty Theft?
In the state of California, petty theft refers to wrongfully taking or sealing property that belongs to someone else that is worth $950 or less. If the property is worth more than this, then grand theft can be charged. Note too that some types of property theft, such as theft of firearms, are charged as grand theft no matter the value of the property stolen.
What Forms of Theft Can Lead to Petty Theft Charges?
There are a few. They include theft by larceny, theft by embezzlement, and theft by false pretenses. Each of these comes with its own specific burdens of proof from the prosecution.
What Are Common Examples of Petty Theft?
It might be easier to imagine this crime if we give you a few examples. If you borrowed your neighbor’s $300 snow shovel and refused to give it back, if you changed a price tag a store to pay less than the product was worth, or if you took a laptop from a shipment of computers that belonged to your employer, these would all be considered petty theft.
What Are Defense Options to Charges of Petty Theft?
The defense option will obviously depend on the specifics of the charge but there are some defense options that are more common than others. One common defense is showing that you actually acted with the consent of the owner. For example, if you signed your neighbor’s name to a check because they asked you to, then you have not committed petty theft.
Another option is to show that you only temporarily borrowed the allegedly stolen item. Unless the owner asked for the item back and you refused, you can show that you only borrowed it. Finally, it might be that you actually owned or had a legal right to the property in question, in which case you have not committed a crime.
What Are the Potential Consequences of a Conviction?
This is a misdemeanor charge that can result in a county jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000. In many cases, you might be given summary probation instead of jail time. Your criminal defense attorney can work to find the best possible outcome for your case, whether that’s getting the charges dropped or ensuring you receive summary probation instead of jail time. Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation and to learn more.