Can you steal 900 dollars in California?

Can you steal 900 dollars in California?

In the state of California, a common question many people often ask is "Can you steal 900 dollars?" The answer is a firm "No!" In fact, California Penal Code prohibits the theft of property, including money, with a value of more than $950. Yes, you read that correctly – $950, not $900. This has significant implications for individuals contemplating theft or already accused of stealing.

What’s the difference between petty and grand theft?

While the difference may seem relatively small, $1 can mean the distinction between a petty theft or grand theft charge. This is because, in California, petty theft is characterized as the theft of $950 or less, while grand theft is when the value of the property stolen exceeds $950. As a misdemeanor, petty theft carries less severe penalties and is often dealt with quickly, whereas grand theft, as a felony, can lead to significant legal consequences, including more severe penalties, fines, and even jail time.

What’s the charge for stealing 900 dollars in California?

• Petty Theft (Misdemeanor): If you steal goods or services worth less than $950, it’s considered petty theft.
• Grand Theft (Felony): Stealing goods or services with a value of over $950 is charged as grand theft.

As you can see, taking $50 more, in this case, shifts the charge from a potentially minor offense (petty theft) to a potentially more serious offense (grand theft).

How severe are the penalties for petty theft in California?

For petty theft, an individual can face:

• Up to 1 year in county jail: The maximum jail sentence is 1 year, meaning you could potentially spend anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months behind bars.
• Fines: You could be sentenced to pay a fine up to $1,000.

How severe are the penalties for grand theft in California?

For grand theft, penalties can be much more serious:

• 2 to 5 years in state prison: The maximum prison sentence is 5 years, meaning you could potentially spend anywhere from 2 to 60 months behind bars, depending on the circumstances and your criminal history.
• Fines: Grand theft can result in more significant fines, potentially even up to $100,000.

Now, let’s summarize. Stealing $900 (or any amount over $950) in California is grand theft, which carries serious legal consequences, including increased penalties and potential prison time. On the other hand, stealing an amount valued at $950 or less is petty theft, punishable by a less severe Misdemeanor charge, with potentially lighter penalties, including a fine and even less time in jail.