Appropriation of Lost Property with Knowledge or Means of Inquiry as to the True Owner- Sentencing & Punishment: California Penal Code 485; 489

Under California Penal Code Section 485, an individual convicted of appropriation of lost property with knowledge or means of inquiry as to the true owner may face a misdemeanor or felony theft charge depending on the value of the item. If the value of the item does not exceed $950.00 then the defendant will likely face petty theft charges. However if the item’s value exceed $950.00 the defendant may face grand theft charges.

Petty Theft Sentencing and Punishment: California Penal Code Section 490

A conviction for petty theft is punishable by imprisonment for up to six months in county jail, or by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both a fine and imprisonment.  See California Penal Code Section 490.

Petty theft, where the value of the money, labor, real or personal property taken is of a value which does not exceed fifty dollars ($50), may be charged as a misdemeanor or an infraction, at the discretion of the prosecutor, provided that the person charged with the offense has no other theft or theft-related conviction. An infraction will be punishable by a fine of up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250).  See California Penal Code Section 490.1.

Grand Theft Sentencing and Punishment:  California Penal Code Section 489

Grand theft is considered a “wobbler,” which means the prosecution may charge a defendant with a felony or a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor conviction of grand theft is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year in county jail.  A felony conviction of grand theft is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years in state prison.