Have you or a loved one been charged with grand theft in California? If so, there are a number of things you should know – the most important of which is that you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about this charge and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

Elements Required to Prove Grand Theft

In order for a prosecutor to successfully build a case for grand theft, there are a number of elements they must prove. This includes proving that you committed theft and that the property you stole was valued at more than $950. In most cases, if the value of the items stolen was less than $950, it will be considered petty theft.

Common Examples of Grand Theft

Common examples of grand theft include stealing jewelry from a jewelry store if the jewelry was worth more than $950, removing someone’s wallet from their coat if their coat was physically touching the owner at the time you removed it or stealing a person’s computer or mobile device.

Grand Theft Can Be Charged as a Misdemeanor or Felony

Grand theft is what’s known as a wobbler offense. This means that it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on several factors. Those factors include the value of the property that was stolen, the criminal history of the accused, and how the crime was allegedly carried out. For example, if there was violence (or threat of violence) involved, then the prosecutor is much more likely to charge it as a felony than they would if there was no violence involved.

There Are Legal Defense Options for a Charge of Grand Theft

As is the case with most criminal cases, the best legal defense will depend on the specifics of your case. We might show that the property belonged to you, or that you thought it was your property. We might show that your intent was to reclaim the property that was rightfully yours, or that the owner of the property had given you consent to take the property.

We might show that the property was worth less than $950, which means that it is not grand theft. Finally, we might show that you did not take the property at all.

Potential Penalties for Grand Theft Convictions

The penalty will vary based on whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, the facts of the case, and your criminal history. You could face probation and fines, or up to three years in state prison. When you contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for your free legal consultation, we can work to determine the potential legal penalties and how to reduce them.