A variety of charges fall under the large umbrella of theft. If the value of the stolen property is $950, or less, the typical charge incurred is Petty Theft. A first time offense is considered a misdemeanor, but a second offense can be charged as a felony. Grand theft is the stealing of property valued at more than $950. Grand Theft is a wobbler, that is to say, it can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor.
Other forms of theft include: Grand theft of a firearm, grand theft auto, burglary, robbery, embezzlement, carjacking, and receiving stolen property. Proposition 47 turned a number of felony crimes into misdemeanors. A skilled attorney can help you navigate through a theft charge, challenging the evidence that a prosecutor may want to use against you. If the prosecution’s evidence is overwhelming then a criminal defense lawyer can often negotiate arrangement with the judge or prosecutor to get the charges reduced or dismissed.