Grand Theft- California Penal Code Section 487
Over 30 Years Experience in Orange County
What You Need to Know About Grand Theft
Under California Penal Code Section 487, grand theft is the theft of another person’s property in which the value of the property exceeds nine hundred and fifty dollars ($950).
Grand theft can also be when money, labor, or real or personal property is taken by an employee from his or her employer and the total value of what was taken was nine hundred and fifty dollars ($950) or more in any 12 consecutive month period. See California Penal Code Section 487(b)(3).
What is Considered Grand Theft?
Theft of certain property will result in an automatic charge of grand theft, regardless of the value of the item, such as:
- Theft of an automobile, also known as grand theft auto
- Theft of a firearm, also known as grand theft firearm
- When the property is taken from the person of another, also known as grand theft of a person
- Theft of certain farm animals like a horse or any bovine animal or caprine animal
There are certain property items that can be considered grand theft if the value of items exceed two hundred and fifty dollars ($250). The following items listed below are a few examples:
- Converting real estate of another and making it your own, i.e., taking water, mineral, or oil from another person’s property and using it for yourself. See California Penal Code Section 487a.
- Certain foods, i.e., domestic fowls, avocados, citrus fruits, aquacultural produce such as fish, mollusks, etc.
Potential Consequences of Grand Theft
Grand theft is considered a “wobbler,” which means that the prosecution has the ability to charge the crime as a misdemeanor or a felony. 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. See California Penal Code Section 489.
Get Professional Help Now!
Theft charges are serious. If you or a loved one has been charged with theft, it is important that you talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience in handling all types of criminal matters, including theft cases. Our knowledgeable attorneys will aggressively defend your rights and fight to get you the best possible result.
Call us today at 877-385-4938 for a free consultation. We will see to it that your rights are protected in a court of law, and that your innocence ultimately prevails.
Client Testimonials:
“After extensive negotiations with the prosecutor, attorney Matt Wallin was able to get the grand theft and petty theft charges against me DISMISSED. I was very relieved and grateful I did not have to report to custody. In addition, attorney Matt Wallin was able to avoid any “admission to guilt,” so I will not be deported and there will be no negative immigration and naturalization consequences. Thank you attorney Matt Wallin from the bottom of my heart.”
-WZ
—
“I was arrested and charged with felony grand theft and embezzlement. I was caught stealing over $3,000 in cash from my employer. I was referred to Attorney Matt Wallin of Wallin & Klarich. After meeting with him, my family and I understood the charges against me, the potential consequences, and our approach moving forward to minimize the consequences of my conduct. Attorney Matt Wallin aggressively advocated on my behalf in court with the judge and prosecutors.
First, Attorney Matt Wallin was able to negotiate a REDUCTION OF CHARGES from two felony charges down to one misdemeanor charge. Then Attorney Matt Wallin met with the Judge and worked out a deal where I would complete community service and ALL CHARGES AGAINST ME WOULD BE DROPPED AND DISMISSED.
This allowed me to stay out of jail and avoid any felony or misdemeanor criminal conviction on my record. Thank you Attorney Matt Wallin for protecting my rights, my freedom, and my future.”
-N. E.
—
“Thank you so very much for all of your work on my behalf.
I was charged with a major felony theft crime. I was certain that I would go to prison for a long time. I referred to Wallin & Klarich by a former client of your firm who told me you guys were the best. I called you, and you provided me with extremely helpful information regarding my situation and made me feel at ease. I was impressed with your experience and the size and reputation of your firm. Other lawyers I spoke to informed me that I was guilty and that they would try to minimize the time I would spend in prison. You never judged me, and you always had faith in my case. After negotiating with the district attorney, you were able to keep me out of prison! I am now able to enjoy being with my family and friends because of your efforts! Wallin & Klarich is my law firm for life.”
-D. D.