Common Types of Theft Crimes in California

Under the California penal code §484, theft crimes cover a wide array of offenses. Simply put, theft involves taking the personal property of another without their consent and with the intention of depriving the owner of his or her possessions. It includes both misdemeanors and felonies of ranging severity and can result in serious consequences without the proper legal defense.

Petty Theft
Anytime an individual steals property valued up to $950, it is considered petty theft and is a misdemeanor. If they have a prior petty theft offense, it can be charged as a felony. The penalties that are associated with this crime include fines or imprisonment for up to 6 months in jail or both.

Burglary
Whenever an individual enters any type of building, whether commercial or residential, with the intent to steal property, it is considered burglary. If the place is someone’s home, the offense can count as a strike, in relation to the California Three Strikes Law.

Robbery
Anyone who uses violence, force or threats to obtain another’s possessions is committing robbery. This also counts as a strike according to the California Three Strikes Law. The maximum penalty in California for robbery is 9 years in prison.

Embezzlement
Someone who misuses personal property that has been entrusted to their care or steals goods or money for their own can be guilty of embezzlement. This can happen typically within businesses where employees are stealing internally or accountants are taking money for their own financial gain.

Grand Theft
Anytime a person steals anything of greater value than $950, it can be considered grand theft. Depending on the offense, it may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. This offense may result in up to one year in prison as well as any additional consequences depending on the circumstance of the crime.

Grand Theft Auto
No matter what the value of the vehicle, if an individual steals a car it is automatically considered grand theft under California State laws.

Receiving Stolen Property
If an individual knowingly purchases or accepts stolen property as their own, this is considered just as illegal as stealing the items themselves.

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