California Penal Code Section 484 A
by
Randy Collins on Feb. 24, 2012
Criminal Criminal Felony Criminal Misdemeanor
Summary: For the purposes of this article we will focus on petty theft and grand theft, since most other forms of theft face similar penalties to these, depending on the value of the items.
Definition
Theft under California Penal Code Section 484 A, is a criminal offense and it is normally filed as either a misdemeanor or felony. Theft happens anytime someone steals any kind of property, no matter how big or small. The penal code 484 A, for theft, essentially sets the grounds for all types of theft including petty theft (CPC 488);grand theft (CPC 487); auto theft (CPC 487d1); embezzlement (CPC 503); and many more. For the purposes of this article we will focus on petty theft and grand theft, since most other forms of theft face similar penalties to these, depending on the value of the items.
Elements of the Crime
In order to take a Theft CPC 484 A case to trial, certain elements of the crime will have to be proven. This includes:
· That the defendant captured ownership of something that belongs to someone else
· That the defendant took ownership without the rightful owner’s permission
· That the defendant depreciated the value of the property
· That the defendant relocated this property and stored it for any length of time
Punishments for CPC 484 A
These penalties are to be determined by a judge and he/she will make a decision based on the circumstances surrounding the case, and the value of the goods stolen.
When found guilty of Theft, it is usually filed as either a petty theft or grand theft.
Petty Theft Penalties (stealing items worth more less $950):
Misdemeanor charges for up to six months in jail and up to one thousand dollars in fines
Grand Theft Penalties (stealing items worth more than $950)
Misdemeanor charges for Grand Theft include one year in jail and a one thousand dollar fine
Felony charges for Grand Theft include up to 16 months, two or three years in prison and a ten thousand dollar fine
Legal Defenses for California Penal Code 484 A
A good lawyer can present many legal and valid defenses for Theft charges under California Penal Code 484 A to prove someone’s innocence. MacGregor and Collins is based in Orange County, California, and has successfully defended those who were falsely accused of Theft. Call (949) 250-6097 to speak to a lawyer, should you be on trial for Theft.
Learn more about other forms of theft, visit California Section Penal Codes here.