Theft Amounts That Lead To Felony Charges In California

California categorises theft into two types: petty theft and grand theft. Petty theft is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in county jail. Grand theft, on the other hand, is a felony, and occurs when the stolen property's value exceeds $950. The felony theft threshold refers to the property value that must be exceeded for a prosecutor to charge the crime as a felony. Grand theft can be punished by up to three years' imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. However, it is important to note that certain property types, such as cars, firearms, and certain farm animals, can automatically constitute grand theft, regardless of their value.

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Theft of over $950 is grand theft

Grand theft can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor in California, at the prosecutor's discretion. A felony conviction for grand theft can result in up to three years of imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. The court may also order restitution to the victim for the value of the stolen property. The specific penalties for grand theft depend on the value of the property stolen, with additional consecutive prison sentences for values exceeding $50,000, $200,000, $1,000,000, and $3,000,000.

Theft of $950 or less is typically charged as petty theft, a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. However, certain prior convictions or specific circumstances can elevate petty theft to a felony charge.

Facing felony charges in California can be a complex legal journey, requiring a clear understanding of the steps involved, from arrest and booking to arraignment and preliminary hearings. A felony conviction can have long-term repercussions on one's personal and professional life, affecting job, housing, and loan applications.

Grand theft is a felony

In California, grand theft is a felony and is defined as the theft of property, labour, or money when the loss amount is valued at $950 or more. Grand theft auto, for example, is grand theft when the stolen property is an automobile. Theft of a firearm is also considered grand theft and is always classified as a felony.

Grand theft is a serious criminal offence that can result in imprisonment in state prison or county jail. If prosecuted as a misdemeanor, a grand theft conviction can result in up to a year in county jail, fines, fees, and payment of victim restitution. However, if prosecuted as a felony, a grand theft conviction can lead to 16 months, two years, or three years in a California state prison.

The penalties for felony grand theft are significantly harsher than those for misdemeanors. Fines for felony grand theft can reach up to $10,000, and the court typically orders restitution to the victim for the value of the stolen property. Additionally, felony theft can result in up to two years of formal probation, with stricter terms such as community service, mandatory drug testing, and theft prevention classes.

The specific penalties for grand theft depend on the circumstances and dollar value involved. For instance, causing property loss of at least $50,000 during a "smash and grab" case can result in an additional year of incarceration. Furthermore, committing grand theft with accomplices can enhance the sentence by one to three years.

It is important to note that the prosecution has the discretion to pursue grand theft as either a misdemeanor or a felony, taking into account factors such as the loss amount, the specific circumstances, and the defendant's prior criminal history.

Felonies carry heavier penalties

In California, theft of money or goods amounting to more than $950 can be charged as a felony. This is known as "grand theft" and is a "wobbler", meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Theft of $950 or less is considered petty theft, a misdemeanor carrying less severe penalties.

The specific penalties for felony grand theft in California can include up to three years of imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, the court may order restitution to the victims for the value of the stolen property, which can total tens of thousands of dollars or more in high-value theft cases. Felony theft can also result in up to two years of formal probation, with stricter terms than misdemeanor probation, including community service, mandatory drug testing, theft prevention classes, and other conditions.

It is important to note that certain types of property, regardless of their value, can automatically constitute grand theft in California. These include automobiles, firearms, and certain farm animals. Additionally, theft directly from a person, even if the value does not exceed $950, can also be classified as grand theft.

California also categorizes some serious crimes as straight felonies, such as murder, rape, first-degree burglary, and sexually violent crimes. These offenses carry severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty for the most serious felonies.

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Felony theft has harsh consequences

In California, theft of goods or services exceeding $950 in value is considered grand theft and is prosecuted as a felony. Felony theft convictions carry serious consequences, including harsh penalties and long-lasting repercussions.

Felony charges in California are reserved for serious criminal offenses, and theft is classified as a felony when specific criteria are met, primarily the value of the stolen property. While misdemeanors typically result in less severe consequences, felonies can lead to lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and long-term impacts on one's personal and professional life.

The penalties for felony theft in California are significant and can include imprisonment of up to three years and fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, the court may order restitution to the victim, which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars in high-value theft cases. The consequences also extend beyond the legal realm, as a felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record, which can hinder future opportunities in areas such as employment, housing, and loan applications.

The impact of a felony conviction extends further, as certain professional licenses, particularly in healthcare and finance, may be revoked. Additionally, a conviction prohibits individuals from owning or possessing firearms, a restriction that lasts a lifetime.

Given the severe consequences of felony theft convictions, it is crucial to seek legal representation from experienced criminal defense attorneys. These attorneys can employ various strategies, such as negotiating charge reductions, challenging witness credibility, and seeking record expungement, to mitigate the harshest penalties and protect their clients' rights and future prospects.

Felony threshold history

California's felony theft threshold has changed over time. The state's first penal code, enacted in 1872, established as felonies all thefts valued at more than $50, which is equivalent to $1,270 in today's dollars. In 1923, the Legislature raised that value to $200, or $3,572 today. The threshold rose due to deflation during the Great Depression but decreased again due to inflation during and after World War II.

In 1982, the California Legislature raised the felony threshold to $400, or $1,261 today. This remained unchanged until 2011, when it was increased to $950, or $1,285 at the time. As of 2025, California's felony theft threshold is $950, which is lower than it has been for 80% of the state's history. This threshold is also lower than that of the majority of other states, with 22 states setting their threshold at $1,000 and 10 more at $1,500.

Theft above the $950 threshold is considered grand theft and can be charged as a felony, carrying a potential state prison sentence of 16 months to three years. However, it is important to note that the prosecutor has the discretion to charge it as a misdemeanor instead, which would result in a lesser sentence of up to one year in county jail.

Theft below the $950 threshold is classified as misdemeanor petty theft, with potential penalties including up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000. However, first-time offenders may qualify for probation or diversion programs, potentially avoiding jail time altogether.

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