Sentencing & Punishment for Theft - California Penal Code 487-488 PC

Punishment for Theft - Grand Theft

Punishment for theft in California is severe. Upon conviction of grand theft, you face up to three years in state prison, depending on the facts of your case.

Grand theft enhancements

• Damage or destruction of property (CA PC 12022.6): If you take, damage or destroy any property during the commission of a felony and with the intent to cause that taking, damage, or destruction, the court shall impose an addition term to be served consecutively with your underlying sentence:
  1. If the loss exceeds $65,000, the court shall impose an additional term of one year
  2. If the loss exceeds $200,000, the court shall impose an additional term of two years
  3. If the loss exceeds $1,300,000, the court shall impose an additional term of three years
  4. If the loss exceeds $3,200,000, the court shall impose an additional term of four years

• Grand theft auto with a prior (CA PC 666.5): If you have a previous conviction of grand theft auto on your record, a subsequent conviction can result in a prison sentence of 2, 3 or 4 years and a maximum $10,000 fine

Punishment for Theft - Petty Theft

Punishment for petty theft can result in up to 364 days in county jail upon conviction of misdemeanor petty theft.

Court options at the time of sentencing

• The court can sentence you to one of three terms provided by law
  • Misdemeanor grand theft: up to 364 days in county jail
  • Felony grand theft: 16 months, 2 or 3 years in county jail
  • Petty theft: up to 6 months in county jail
  • Place you on probation and impose a sentence of up to one year in county jail
  •  Place you on probation with no jail time, but order you to do community service, a work release program and repay the value of the property taken
  • Place you on formal probation and assign you a probation officer

Probation terms for theft charges in California

1. Violate no law (other than a traffic infraction)
2. Visit your probation officer as often as required by your probation terms
3. Perform community service
4. Pay restitution to compensate the victim

Contact Wallin & Klarich Today If You Are Facing Severe Punishment for Theft Charges

Contact the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich today if you are facing severe punishment for theft charges in California.