California Theft Charges
California defines theft in Penal Code § 484. Petty theft (§ 488) covers $950 or less and is generally a misdemeanor after Proposition 47 (2014) under PC § 490.2; grand theft (§ 487) applies above $950 or to certain property regardless of value. Proposition 36 (2024) partially rolled back Prop 47, allowing a felony for someone with two or more prior theft convictions — confirm current statute.
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
This is general information, not legal advice, and California’s theft thresholds are amendment-prone — confirm the current numbers against the statute and talk to a California attorney.
In California, the line between petty and grand theft turns largely on value — though some property is always treated more seriously.
Petty vs. grand theft
Theft is defined in Penal Code § 484. The basic split is between petty theft (§ 488) and grand theft (§ 487, where the value exceeds $950).
Under Proposition 47 (2014) and Penal Code § 490.2, theft of $950 or less is generally petty theft, a misdemeanor. The $950 threshold is the most amendment-watched figure here — confirm the current statute.
Grand theft regardless of value
Under § 487, grand theft applies regardless of the $950 line for certain property — for example, property taken directly from the person, and automobiles or firearms.
New: Proposition 36 repeat-offender rule
Proposition 36 (2024), effective December 18, 2024, partially rolled back Prop 47: a person with two or more prior theft convictions can now be charged with a felony even when the value is $950 or less. This is recent and still settling — confirm the current statute before relying on it.
For the bigger picture, see the criminal process or the criminal defense hub. To get matched with a local California attorney, connect with a lawyer.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- What's the difference between petty and grand theft in California?
- Theft is defined in Penal Code § 484. Petty theft (§ 488) generally covers property worth $950 or less; grand theft (§ 487) applies when value exceeds $950 — or to certain property regardless of value.
- Is shoplifting under $950 a felony in California?
- Generally no. Under Proposition 47 (2014) and Penal Code § 490.2, theft of $950 or less is usually petty theft, a misdemeanor. But Proposition 36 (2024) lets prosecutors charge a felony for someone with two or more prior theft convictions — confirm the current statute.
- When is theft grand theft regardless of value?
- Under Penal Code § 487, grand theft applies regardless of the $950 line for certain property — for example, property taken directly from a person, and automobiles or firearms.
Sources
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