California PC 487(a) – Grand Theft Penalties
The crime of grand theft in California is defined as theft committed where the money, labor, or real or personal property taken has a value exceeding nine hundred fifty dollars ($950). There are many variations of grand theft ranging in criminal sophistication from shoplifting over $950 in merchandise to defrauding investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars through a ponzi scheme. Whichever variation of grand theft you find yourself prosecuted for, you face a wide range of potential penalties if convicted. Our grand theft defense attorneys will give you the best legal advice available.
Is Grand Theft A Misdemeanor Or Felony?
Grand theft is considered a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be prosecuted as either a felony or a misdemeanor. It is also considered “priorable,” meaning the penalty increases with every grand theft or any other subsequent theft-related conviction. Therefore, you would likely be charged with a felony if your prior criminal record had prior theft-related convictions. However, it also possible to be charged with a felony, even on a first offense grand theft, if you are alleged to have feloniously stolen items of significant value or embezzled large amount of money from an employer.
What Are The Typical Penalties For A Grand Theft Charge In California?
The consequences for a grand theft conviction would depend on whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor PC 487(a). The following are the penalties you potentially face is charged:
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- Up to 3 years imprisonment in California State Prison (felony charges) or up to 1 year imprisonment in County Jail (misdemeanor charges)
- Formal/supervised probation (felony charges) or informal/unsupervised probation (misdemeanor charges)
- Fines, penalty assessments, and restitution
- Community labor/service
- Deportation or disqualification from citizenship or permanent residency
- Revocation of state and professional licensing
How Can Our Grand Theft Defense Firm Can Help?
With over 70 years of combined criminal defense trial experience, we have the expertise and relationships with local judges and prosecutors in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California ensure you receive the best legal representation possible. Both Eugene Hanrahan and Stephen Sitkoff utilize their experience as former senior prosecutors and now criminal defense experts to provide our clients with an unparalleled advantage in the courtroom. Many of the consequences listed above can be mitigated or even dismissed through diversion programs. Therefore, it is critical that you seek experienced legal counsel immediately if you find yourself targeted by law enforcement in a grand theft investigation or if you have been recently arrested for a grand theft related offense. Please call us now at (888) 579-4844 for a free no-obligation consultation to review your case details and options.
Related Grand Theft Defense Links
https://formerdistrictattorneys.com//orange-county/orange-county-theft-defense/
https://formerdistrictattorneys.com//hollywood-criminal-defense/
