Theft is covered by several laws in California, and it’s not all that hard to get charged. If someone you know has recently been arrested and taken into custody on theft charges and you’d like to get them out of jail, we can help.

California Theft Charges

When someone is suspected of theft, it’s often a form of petty theft, grand theft, or shoplifting. Petty theft is covered under California Penal Code 484(a) PC and is described as wrongfully taking or stealing someone else’s property with a value of $950 or less. It’s a misdemeanor-level crime punishable by probation, fines, restitution, and/or jail time.

California Penal Code 487 PC defines grand theft as taking property valued at $950 or more, a gun or motor vehicle, or take property directly from a person’s possession. Unlike petty theft, grand theft can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s prior criminal history. When charged as a misdemeanor the punishments include up to 1 year in county jail. For felony charges, they include 16 months to 3 years in jail.

Finally, California Penal Code 459.5 PC covers shoplifting. It’s defined as entering a commercial establishment during normal business hours with the intention of stealing something worth $950 or less. Shoplifting is an infraction as opposed to a misdemeanor or felony. The penalties include up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

How Do You Get SCV Bail Bonds for Theft Charges?

If you know someone who has been arrested and is being held in custody on theft charges, you need a bail bond to get them out of jail. Generally, petty theft and shoplifting charges won’t land you in jail unless you have priors. It’s usually grand theft charges that wind someone up in jail. Bail for grand theft if the item is worth over $950 but less than $50,000 is $20,000. However, when you work with SCV Bail Bonds, you only pay a small fraction of this cost.

If you want to get someone out of jail, give us a call any time of day or night. We’re always happy to help.

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval

Robin Sandoval is a California Licensed Bail Bondsman and owner of SCV Bail Bonds. Robin writes blogs and articles to help increase community awareness of the bail industry. If you have questions or want to suggest a topic, email robin@scvbailbonds.com, visit www.scvbailbonds.com or call 661-299-2245.
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval
Robin Sandoval

Latest posts by Robin Sandoval (see all)