Petty theft falls under which penal code?

Petty theft is defined under California Penal Code 488. This statute specifies that petty theft occurs when an individual unlawfully takes someone else's property valued at $950 or less. It categorizes this crime as a misdemeanor, reflecting its lesser severity compared to felony theft offenses, which are represented under Penal Code 487. The distinction between petty and grand theft is important in legal terms and has implications for sentencing and criminal records.

The other codes mentioned relate to different criminal offenses: Penal Code 487 pertains to grand theft, Penal Code 502 covers computer-related crimes, and Penal Code 476 involves the counterfeiting of documents and currency. Knowing the specific codes helps law enforcement understand the nature of the crime being addressed.