What is the penalty for petty theft under California law?

Petty theft in California is classified as a misdemeanor, which means that it carries specific penalties upon conviction. The law generally considers petty theft to involve the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. As a misdemeanor, the penalties can include a fine, probation, and jail time, with the possibility of up to six months in county jail. This established legal framework serves to deter such offenses while acknowledging that petty theft is a less serious crime compared to grand theft, which involves higher-value property.

The distinction from other options highlights that while fines can be imposed, the more significant legal implication lies in the misdemeanor charge and potential incarceration. Furthermore, defining petty theft as a civil matter doesn’t align with California law, as it remains a criminal offense under the Penal Code, and thus, carries the associated criminal penalties.