The difference between petty theft and grand theft in the State of California depends on the value of the stolen merchandise. Generally, when someone steals something valued at or below $950 it is charged as a misdemeanor-level petty theft crime. When the cost is over $950, grand theft (which can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony) is usually charged.
When it comes to theft crimes in California, they all have similar elements:
Property existed owned by someone else
The sus...
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Petty Theft
Woman Arrested on Grand Theft Charges
Recently, a woman shopping at Walmart in Stevenson Ranch was arrested after she tried to leave the store without paying. According to reports, the woman was attempting to push a full cart out of the store when the loss prevention employees stopped her. They called the police and, when they showed up, the woman was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and petty theft. The value of the items in the cart was estimated to be $1,400.
Which Laws Cover Theft?
Petty theft is covered under California P...
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Shoplifting Charges in Santa Clarita
Shoplifting is one of the most commonly prosecuted charges in California, and with so many retail businesses, it happens a lot in the Santa Clarita Valley. Also known as petty theft, shoplifting charges are typically brought against someone who is suspected of having stolen something with a value of $950 or less.
Petty theft can occur in one of four ways:
Larceny (taking someone's property without their consent)
Trickery (such as changing the price tag on an item)
Embezzlement (steali...
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