Grand Larceny

Grand larceny, commonly referred to as grand theft, is a serious criminal offense according to California Penal Code 487 PC which defines this theft crime as the unlawful taking of someone else's property when that property's value is more than $950, the property is a firearm or car, or taken immediately from an individual's person (such as in the case of a mugging).

Grand larceny may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of your individual case. As with all crimes, a misdemeanor incurs penalties which are less severe than those typically handed down by the courts for a felony offense. Regardless, in order to protect your legal rights, career, and reputation it is highly advised you speak with a capable Los Angeles grand theft defense attorney right away.

The majority of theft crimes in the LA area are serious enough to be charged as felonies. Whether you will be charged with a misdemeanor or felony by the prosecution depends on various factors including the value of the property/item taken, whether a weapon was used in the commission of the crime, and your criminal history.

It is important to note that grand theft may be committed in various manners such as embezzlement or taking property which has been entrusted to you. Prosecutors will work vigorously to enhance a charge of petty theft to grand theft by alleging that you took property by theft or false pretenses, by trick, or that which had been entrusted to you. In order to secure a conviction, the jury only has to decide that the accused individual did in fact take the property; they do not necessarily have to agree with the prosecutor's theory. Regardless of your situation, we urge you to contact our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys immediately.

Grand theft is considered a wobbler offense in California. This essentially means it is a crime which may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. At the most, if convicted of misdemeanor grand larceny you will face up to one year in county jail.

The penalties for felony grand theft are more severe, and include sixteen months, two years, or three years in prison.

Being arrested or charged with grand larceny does not indicate you will be convicted. A highly qualified criminal defense attorney has several effective defenses at his or her disposal. For example, your lawyer may fight the charges by using the defense that you did not intend to steal, you were falsely accused, the individual whose property you took consented to you taking it, or the property you are accused of stealing actually belonged to you. Even though the evidence against you may seem insurmountable, a skilled and experienced attorney can determine the best way to fight the charges and protect you from serious criminal penalties.

Grand larceny is a serious theft offense which could ultimately ruin your career and reputation if convicted, not to mention cost you your freedom. At The Justice Firm, our primary objective is to prevent charges from being filed when possible, or secure an acquittal/dismissal of the charges should the case proceed to court. We urge you to contact our firm today for unsurpassed legal guidance and support. Call us now at 310-914-2444.