Grand theft is one of the most seriously charged property crimes in California. Whether you are accused of stealing merchandise worth more than $950, taking money from an employer over time, or theft of a firearm or vehicle, a grand theft charge can mean felony prosecution, years in state prison, and a permanent record that follows you for life. Our Santa Ana, CA theft defense lawyer defends individuals charged with grand theft throughout Orange County and brings aggressive, strategic defense to every case.
Understanding Grand Theft in California
California Penal Code Section 487 defines grand theft as theft of money, labor, or property valued over $950, theft of a motor vehicle (auto theft under VC 10851), theft of a firearm regardless of value, and theft of agricultural products, aquacultural products, or domestic fowl valued over $250. Grand theft by embezzlement — where an employee steals from an employer over time — is also prosecuted under this section. Grand theft is generally a wobbler, meaning the prosecutor can charge it as a misdemeanor (up to one year in county jail) or a felony (16 months to three years in state prison), depending on the circumstances and your criminal history.
Grand Theft vs. Petty Theft: The $950 Threshold
The $950 dividing line between petty and grand theft is often contested. Seyb Law Group scrutinizes how the prosecution calculated the value of stolen property. Retail value, used market value, and replacement cost can differ significantly, and professional appraisal testimony can sometimes bring an alleged grand theft below the felony threshold. In aggregated theft cases — where multiple thefts from the same victim are combined — we challenge whether the legal requirements for aggregation are met under Penal Code 487(b)(3).
Defenses Against Grand Theft Charges
Seyb Law Group builds grand theft defenses around several core strategies. Lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner of property is a complete defense — borrowing an item, even without permission, may not constitute theft. Claim of right is another important defense: if you genuinely believed you had a right to the property, you lacked the criminal intent required. In employer-employee theft cases, we examine whether authorization was granted, whether accounting errors explain apparent discrepancies, and whether the prosecution can actually trace alleged losses to your specific conduct.
Grand Theft Auto and Firearm Theft: Special Considerations
Theft of a motor vehicle in California can be charged under Penal Code 487(d)(1) as grand theft auto or under Vehicle Code 10851 as unlawful taking of a vehicle. These two charges carry different elements and defenses, and the distinction matters. Grand theft of a firearm is always a felony regardless of the firearm’s value, and it disqualifies you from ever owning a firearm in the future. Seyb Law Group understands the nuances of these special categories and tailors our defense accordingly.
Seyb Law Group: Your Orange County Grand Theft Defense Team
Grand theft charges can reshape the course of your life. A felony conviction closes doors to employment, professional licensing, financial opportunities, and civil rights including the right to vote and bear arms. Seyb Law Group fights tirelessly to defeat grand theft charges through dismissal, acquittal, or reduction to a misdemeanor or lesser offense. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney who is ready to stand in your corner.
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