California Penal Code Section 487
by
Randy Collins on Feb. 23, 2012
Criminal Felony Criminal Misdemeanor
Summary: Grand Theft under California Penal Code Section 487, is a criminal offense and it is normally filed as either a misdemeanor or felony. Grand Theft is when someone steals something that is worth more than nine hundred and fifty dollars.
Definition
Grand Theft under California Penal Code Section 487, is a criminal offense and it is normally filed as either a misdemeanor or felony. Grand Theft is when someone steals something that is worth more than nine hundred and fifty dollars.
NB. In some instances the goods are not valued at over $950, but they carry the same penalties. This includes but is not limited to the theft of firearms, vehicles, farm animals (grand carcass), real estate and more.
Example
A common example of Grand Theft is when someone steals someone’s equipment and this device is valued at over $950
Elements of the Crime
In order to take an Grand Theft CPC 487 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 487
These penalties are to be determined by a judge and he/she will make a decision based on the circumstances surrounding the case.
When found guilty of Grand Theft, it is usually filed as either a misdemeanor or felony, which includes:
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 487
A good lawyer can present many legal and valid defenses for Grand Theft charges under California Penal Code 487 to prove someone’s innocence. MacGregor and Collins is based in Orange County, California, and has successfully defended those who were falsely accused of Grand Theft. Call (949) 250-6097 to speak to a lawyer, should you be on trial for Grand Theft.
Learn more about other California Section Penal Codes here