Theft is the unlawful taking of someone else's property without permission and with the intent of keeping it permanently. Fraudulently taking property entrusted to one or taking one’s property through false pretense also qualify as theft under California law. Penal Code Section 484 is the statute defining theft.

As was as California law is concerned property can be an item (book, car, etc) or even one’s services.  If the amount of property taken is under $400 then the theft is classified as “petty” and if the amount is over $400 or the property taken is a vehicle of a firearm

Grand theft is punishable by up to one year in jail or a state prison sentence of 16 months, 2 years or three years in prison.  Therefore, grand theft is a wobbler and can be either a misdemeanor or a felony.  Petty theft can result in sentences of up to 180 days or one year in county jail.  If the amount stolen is less than $50 dollars defendants can request an “infraction.”

Anyone charged with a petty theft with the record of a prior petty theft can be charged with a felony under Penal Code Section 666.