What type of theft is categorized as grand theft?

Grand theft is defined under California Penal Code 487. It involves the unlawful taking of someone's property valued over a specific amount, which is currently set at $950. This offense is considered more severe than petty theft, which involves items valued below that threshold. Grand theft can involve a variety of property, including money, goods, or services, and can manifest in different ways, such as theft from a person, theft of a vehicle, or theft of property from a building.

The evaluation of the value of the stolen property is crucial in distinguishing grand theft from other types of theft. In contrast, petty theft typically encompasses situations involving lower-value items and is treated as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, which grand theft may be, depending on the circumstances. Understanding this distinction is fundamental for law enforcement personnel when assessing theft-related incidents.