Each state varies on how they define their laws. When it comes to theft, the state of California defines it as “the intentional and unlawful taking of property. In order for a theft to occur the offender must intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property”. In many cases theft is a familiar crime for many people and one which they find themselves arrested for. Ajua Bail Bonds would like to explain in full the state’s view of the crime of theft.
Examples of Theft in California
Under the laws set up by the state of California, the crimes of robbery, receiving stolen property, identity theft, forgery or embezzlement are all crimes that fall under the umbrella of theft. There are other crimes that also are considered as theft such as.
• Failure to return leased or rented property.
• Selling items to a pawnbroker and falsifying the information about the items.
• Unlawfully transferring or selling debit or credit cards.
• The use of another person’s information from their debit cards, credit cards or bank account to obtain property or services.
• Failure to return library property or materials.
• Knowingly and intentionally defrauding another person’s property and fraudulently obtaining credit.
The state of California views these crimes as an act of theft in which penalties of these crimes are set. Like many other states, California classifies the theft offense due to value of the stolen property. To better understand the penalties involved with the crime, Ajua Bail Bonds will break the penalties down by they level of theft or kinds of offenses.
Definition of Petty Theft
Petty theft is defined by California law as the theft of property with the value of $950 or lower. Most Petty theft crimes are charged as a misdemeanor. However the condition as a misdemeanor is the result of either shoplifting or the value of stolen property is under $950 and that it was the criminal’s first offense. A misdemeanor of petty theft could result in a term of six months in the county jail with additional fines of $250 or more.
Petty Theft with a Prior
Petty theft with a prior conviction could result as a wobbler; meaning either a misdemeanor or a felony for those who have been arrested and or spent time in jail for the same offense of theft one time or more. Each time a crime related to theft has occurred the punishment will increase until the third offense in which the individual will be charged with a felony and where they will be sentenced to prison time.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is considered petty theft as mentioned before. As of Nov. 5, 2014 it is still considered petty theft. However those caught shop lifting items with a value of $950 or less will be charged with a misdemeanor and will receive a one year sentence in county jail. For those with more serious priors such a sexual assault, violent convictions or were found guilty of shoplifting may receive a more serious conviction or charges.
Grand Theft
Grand theft is a crime where stolen property with a value of $950 or more was unlawfully taken or stolen from another individual. The person who is found guilty of grand theft will be charged will a felony and depending on the amount or nature of the theft, could spend 16 months to three years in prison. For those with priors and have been found guilty of grand theft, this could result in a longer sentence.
Bail Bond Services in Selma & Fresno County, Atwater & Merced County, Visalia & Tulare County, Hanford & Kings County, Madera County and the Central Valley of California
The nature of the theft does vary in regards to the charge and if any prior crimes were committed will also greatly dictate the offender’s penalties and charges. For those arrested for theft related crimes and while you await your court date, you can seek the aid of a bail bond to get you out of jail. Ajua Bail Bonds can help. Don’t sit in jail when you can use that time to spend with your loved ones and prepare your defense. Contact Ajua Bail Bonds to get you or a loved one out of jail.
