In California Theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
It is a petty theft if the value of the property is valued at nine hundred and fifty dollars ($950) or less.
It would be charged as a felony if the value exceeds the nine hundred and fifty dollar ($950) value.
For misdemeanor petty theft the punishment is up to 180 days in jail, fine up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) or both.
There are defenses available for a theft charge, some of which are:
* You did not have the requisite intent to steal the item;
* The item taken belongs to you;
* You were given consent to take the item; and/or
* There was never a theft, you were falsely accused of theft.
Types of Theft are:
Theft by Larceny
Theft by False Pretense
Theft by trick
Theft by embezzlement
Shoplifting is a form of theft
Felony theft carries a potential punishment of 1 year 4 months, 2 years or 3 year punishment in prison.
