Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft

San Diego Theft Attorney

Are you facing theft charges? Be sure that you consult a San Diego theft crime lawyer as soon as possible to challenge these allegations and work toward avoiding a conviction. You may face imprisonment, fines, and a number of other criminal penalties, as well as the potential of a criminal record, which can seriously harm employment, housing and financial opportunities.

Theft is a criminal offense that involves taking another person's property without their permission and/or knowledge, with the intention of permanently depriving them of its use. The primary factor that will determine the severity of criminal charges that a person will face for theft is the value of property taken, and that is precisely where the terms "petty theft" and "grand theft" come in.

About Petty Theft and Grand Theft in San Diego County, CA

In California, petty theft is defined as taking property valued at up to $400. An excellent example of petty theft is shoplifting, wherein the offender takes property or goods from a store. A first petty theft offense may be relatively minor, with a conviction resulting in a small fine and 1 to 3 years of informal probation. Your attorney can explore options such as alternative sentencing with you, to help you avoid imprisonment. In some cases, you may even be able to reduce a petty theft offense to an infraction, which means that you would not have a criminal record. A second or third petty theft offense, however, may be charged as a felony, often called petty theft with a prior or felony petty theft. This can have serious consequences on you now and in the future.

Grand theft is a more serious charge and involves taking property valued at more than $400. It may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense, depending on the case. In California, a person convicted of grand theft may face up to 12 months in jail or 16 months in prison as well as probation, fines, counseling and community service. Grand theft auto, stealing a motor vehicle valued at more than $400, may be charged as a felony and a conviction may result in up to 3 years in state prison.

Consult a San Diego Theft Crime Lawyer

Contact Superior Law Center today to learn more about your rights in the face of your theft charges and how a San Diego criminal defense attorney can help you.