Grand theft charges under PC § 487 in Los Angeles carry felony exposure, restitution obligations, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. The LAPD and LASD investigate theft crimes aggressively, and the Los Angeles County Superior Court prosecutes them consistently. Any theft involving property valued over $950 can be charged as a felony. Your defense starts at thebulldog and it starts now.

The Bulldog Law dismantles grand theft prosecutions by challenging valuation, intent, and identification. A charge is not a conviction, and we fight relentlessly to keep it that way.

What PC § 487 Grand Theft Requires

PC § 487 grand theft applies when the value of the property taken exceeds $950. It encompasses theft by larceny (physical taking), theft by trick (deception), theft by false pretenses (misrepresentation), and theft by embezzlement.

Grand theft is a wobbler the prosecution can charge it as a felony or misdemeanor based on the circumstances. Felony grand theft carries 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison. Theft of a firearm, certain agricultural products, or fish and shellfish are automatically felonies regardless of value.

How The Bulldog Challenges LAPD and LASD Evidence

Valuation is contestable. The prosecution's claimed property value is often inflated. We retain independent appraisers to challenge market value determinations. Reducing value below $950 converts grand theft to petty theft a misdemeanor.

Identification is another battleground. Retail theft cases often rely on store surveillance footage and LP (loss prevention) officer testimony. We challenge image quality, angle limitations, and LP officer credibility.

Intent is always at issue. The prosecution must prove a specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. Borrowing, mistaken belief of ownership, and claim of right are all valid defenses that negate criminal intent.

In employee theft cases, we examine the scope of the employee's actual authority. An employee who reasonably believed they were authorized to use company property did not commit theft even if the employer later disputes that authorization.

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Grand Theft Arrest in Los Angeles

Grand theft arrests in Los Angeles typically result in booking at an LAPD station or LASD facility, with bail set according to the county schedule. For felony grand theft, bail is typically $20,000.

Do not speak to loss prevention officers, store management, or law enforcement without counsel. Post arrest admissions and attempts to "explain" are consistently the most damaging evidence prosecutors use at trial.

Arraignment at the Los Angeles County Superior Court occurs within 48 to 72 hours. The Bulldog Law will be there to fight for OR release and begin the evidentiary investigation immediately.

PC § 487 Enhancements and Restitution

PC § 12022.6 adds 1 to 4 years to grand theft sentences when the loss exceeds threshold amounts. Courts also order restitution to victims, which can be substantial in high value theft cases. We challenge restitution amounts as vigorously as we challenge the underlying charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the threshold for grand theft in California?

PC § 487 applies when the value of stolen property exceeds $950. Below that threshold, the offense is petty theft under PC § 484 a misdemeanor.

Can a grand theft charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Los Angeles?

Yes. Grand theft is a wobbler. We negotiate for misdemeanor treatment based on circumstances, prior record, and property valuation. Successful reduction avoids felony consequences.

What is the penalty for felony grand theft in California?

Felony grand theft under PC § 487 carries 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, plus restitution and fines.

Can I be convicted of grand theft if I intended to return the property?

Intent to permanently deprive is required. If you planned to return the property, that intent negates the theft element though the prosecution will contest the credibility of this defense.

What is a claim of right defense to grand theft in California?

A claim of right defense applies when you sincerely believed you had a legal right to the property taken. Even if mistaken, a genuine belief negates the criminal intent required for theft.

Facing charges in Los Angeles? The Bulldog Law fights for you relentlessly, in state and federal court. Visit our blog for more resources.