I am bring charged with grand theft for stealing a computer from another student at school. I admitted the theft, but I already got rid of the computer. What kind of punishment am I looking at?

Grand theft is a “wobbler” under California law which means it can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor. The most important factors to take into account in any grand theft case is whether it’s charged as a felony or misdemeanor, the value of the property stolen, whether the defendant can pay full restitution before the case resolves, and the criminal history of the defendant. Of those factors likely the most important one is whether full restitution can be paid before a plea is taken. If so, the prosecutor or judge is much more likely to give a more lenient deal than if the victim is not paid back in full for the value of the property. All of the other factors weigh heavily as well and it is very important to consult with an experienced theft attorney anytime you are facing charges of grand theft.