Source: http://dcsdefense.com/grand-theft/
Timestamp: 2019-01-24 06:40:13
Document Index: 455400607

Matched Legal Cases: ['§487', '§484', '§487', '§487', '§487', '§487', '§487', '§499', '§499']

Grand Theft - DCS Defense: The Law Office Of Damian SiwekDCS Defense: The Law Office Of Damian Siwek
Grand Theft charges in California are serious. A conviction for Grand Theft can carry a substantial county jail or prison sentence, and it can adversely affect your future employment, state license, and other benefits. Call Damian Siwek, an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at DCS Defense before you talk to your employer or alleged victim to determine if we can effectively negotiate a civil settlement before charges are filed against you!
Grand Theft is defined in California Penal Code section §487 as the, “unlawful taking and carrying away of the property of another valued at over $950.” Property valued at $950 or less would be charged as a misdemeanor, commonly known as Petty Theft (Penal Code section §484(a)). The distinction between Petty Theft and Grand Theft is important, since the former is a misdemeanor and the latter is usually a felony. Grand Theft also applies to the stealing of certain types of property even if the value is less than $950.
When domestic fowl, avocados, olives, citrus or fruit tree, nuts, artichokes, or other farm crops are taken with a value over $250 – Penal Code §487(b)(2);
When the property taken (regardless of value) is from the person of another, commonly referred to as “Grand Theft Person” (e.g. pickpocket – Penal Code §487(c);
Stealing personal property (by severance from the realty of another) from real estate (conversion of real property) with a value of $250 or more – Penal Code §487b;
Theft of gold dust, amalgam, or quicksilver (regardless of value) – Penal Code §487d;
Theft of dogs for research, slaughter, sale or commercial use (regardless of value) – Penal Code §487g;
Theft of trade secrets (any value) – Penal Code §499c;
Theft of aircraft (any value) – Penal Code §499d.
Grand theft charges can be filed even if the defendant’s profit from the stolen goods was less than $950. According to the theft laws, the determination between filing grand theft charges and petty theft charges depends on the reasonable and fair market value of the property taken. The market value is usually determined as of the time of the taking. When there is uncertainty as to the market value then “replacement value” may be used to establish a value. For theft from retail stores (shoplifting) the value of the property is usually the retail price of the item taken or market value plus tax.
The defendant obtained title & possession of another’s property through false pretenses and lies (Grand Theft by False Pretenses), or
The defendant took possession of another’s property by deceit (Larceny by Trick or Device), or
In California, Grand Theft is a “wobbler.” A wobbler is a criminal offense that can be charged or classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. The prosecutor has the discretion to file grand theft charges as either misdemeanors or felonies. That decision usually depends on the circumstances of your case, such as the value of the property stolen and your prior criminal history, specifically theft-related convictions or prior felonies. A misdemeanor grand theft carries a maximum of 1 year in county jail along with restitution, court fines, and usually three years of informal probation. A felony grand theft conviction carries a sentence of 16 months to three years in custody. Additional time is added to your felony sentence for the following:
Consent– When a person consents to the taking of his or her property, it is not theft.
For aggressive and effective representation against Grand Theft charges, including a free confidential consultation, contact Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Damian Siwek at DCS Defense.