Is petty theft a felony or misdemeanor in California?
Is petty theft a felony or misdemeanor in California?
Penalties Petty theft is generally a misdemeanor offense that can carry a sentence of up to six months in jail, court fines, restitution and stay-away orders. Some prosecutorial agencies will reduce a petty theft charge to an infraction under California Penal Code Section 490.1 PC.
Is 476 PC a felony?
Penal Code 476 PC prohibits a person from making, writing or passing a fake or fraudulent check. The offense of check fraud can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony and carries a maximum sentence of up to 3 years in jail.
What amount of theft is a felony in California?
$950
Obviously, the more serious the crime, the more likely the crime will be charged as a felony. If the item taken is valued at $950 or less, then the crime is considered a California Petty Theft in violation of Penal Code Section 484.
What is the punishment for petty theft in California?
For first-time offenders, petty theft is a misdemeanor crime, which carries a sentence of up to six months in a county, a $1,000 fine, restitution for the amount stolen, and/or probation. If the defendant stole less than $50 worth of property, then he or she may only be charged with an infraction.
Can you go to jail for shoplifting in California?
Entering an open business with the intent to steal less than $950 worth of property is shoplifting under California state law (Penal Code 495.5). Shoplifting is usually treated as a misdemeanor — unless you have some major prior convictions — punishable by a half-year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000.
Can I go to jail for cashing a fake check?
According to federal laws, intentionally depositing a fake check to get money that is not yours is an act of fraud. Just like any other act of fraud, you can go to jail or face fines. Being found guilty of misdemeanor check fraud charges usually includes a fine while a felony results in jail time.
How much can you steal in California without going to jail?
What is Penal Code 487 A?
Grand theft is theft committed in any of the following cases: (a) When the money, labor, or real or personal property taken is of a value exceeding nine hundred fifty dollars ($950), except as provided in subdivision (b). (c) When the property is taken from the person of another. …
Is shoplifting a violent crime?
What is the consequence of shoplifting?