In theft cases the value, the intent, and the evidence of who did what matter more than the arrest report suggests. The $950 line alone can be the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony.
PC 484 / 488
Misdemeanor
Theft of money, labor, or property worth $950 or less.
Exposure
Up to six months in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. Since Proposition 36 (2024), a new theft with two or more prior theft convictions can be filed as a felony under PC 666.1. Diversion may be available for a first offense.
PC 484 · PC 488 · PC 490 · PC 666.1 · Full guide →
PC 487
Wobbler
Theft of property worth more than $950, or of certain property regardless of value, such as a firearm or property taken directly from a person.
Exposure
Up to one year in county jail, or 16 months, two, or three years in county jail under PC 1170(h). Grand theft of a firearm is a felony.
PC 459.5
PC 459
Misdemeanor or felony
Entering a building or certain other places with the intent to commit theft or a felony inside. Nothing has to be taken.
Exposure
First degree (a residence): a felony, two, four, or six years in state prison, and a strike. Second degree (a commercial building): a wobbler, up to one year in county jail or 16 months, two, or three years under PC 1170(h).
PC 459 · PC 460 · PC 461 · Full guide →
PC 211
Felony
Taking property from someone’s person or immediate presence, against their will, by force or fear.
Exposure
Second degree: two, three, or five years in state prison. First degree, such as in an inhabited dwelling: three, four, or six years, and more in some circumstances. A conviction counts as a strike.
PC 496
Misdemeanor or felony
Buying, receiving, concealing, or selling property you know is stolen.
Exposure
$950 or less: generally a misdemeanor, up to one year in county jail. Over $950: a wobbler, up to one year in county jail or 16 months, two, or three years under PC 1170(h).
PC 503
VC 10851
Wobbler
Taking or driving someone else’s vehicle without consent, intending to deprive the owner of it, even temporarily.
Exposure
Up to one year in county jail, or 16 months, two, or three years under PC 1170(h), and a fine up to $5,000. Prior vehicle-theft convictions raise the range.
The ranges above summarize the statutes as maximums and minimums, not predictions. Enhancements, prior convictions, and the specific facts can change them, and many cases resolve with diversion, reduced charges, or dismissal. This is general information, not legal advice, and no outcome is guaranteed. Statute links go to California Legislative Information.
other practice areas
01
DUI, reckless driving, suspended license, hit and run, evading, vehicular manslaughter.
7 charges →
02
Domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, battery, criminal threats, attempted murder, murder.
9 charges →
03
Possession, possession for sale, transportation and sales, paraphernalia.
4 charges →
04
Concealed firearm, felon in possession, loaded firearm in public.
3 charges →
05
Indecent exposure, solicitation, failure to register.
3 charges →
06
Vandalism, resisting arrest, probation violations, warrants, expungements.
5 charges →
Don’t see your charge? It’s probably not a problem. Call or text me at (310) 938-1992 and I’ll tell you straight whether I can help.
Legal Lion
Criminal defense in Los Angeles County and Orange County. Direct representation from Raja Rafay Shahid. Legal Lion was founded in 2020.
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