A grand theft charge under California Penal Code § 487 doesn't just threaten your freedom — it threatens your ability to hold a job, rent an apartment, or keep a professional license years after the case ends. If you're facing PC 487 in Los Angeles, the single most important thing to understand is this: grand theft is a "wobbler," meaning prosecutors can charge it as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the facts and your record. Which way it goes often depends on decisions made in the first weeks — before you're even arraigned. That's where an experienced defense makes the difference.
Chudnovsky Law brings together former prosecutors and defense attorneys with more than 113 years of combined courtroom experience and over 9,000 cases handled across Los Angeles County. Partner Kareem Aref, a former Deputy District Attorney, knows exactly how the prosecution builds a theft case — because he used to build them.
Call (213) 212-5002 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7, and we defend cases in all 23 LA County criminal court locations.
On This Page:
- Why PC 487 charges are serious
- Our defense methodology
- Grand theft charges explained
- Penalties and case outcomes
- Los Angeles court guide
- Our promises to you
- Frequently asked questions
Scope note: This page focuses on adult felony and misdemeanor grand theft prosecutions (PC 487) filed in California state court in Los Angeles County. Related charges like burglary (PC 459), shoplifting (PC 459.5), and receiving stolen property (PC 496) are discussed where they connect to a grand theft case. Federal theft prosecutions and civil recovery lawsuits are handled separately — ask us during your consultation if either applies to you.
What Makes a PC 487 Grand Theft Charge So Serious in Los Angeles?
Grand theft under California Penal Code § 487 is the unlawful taking of another person's property valued at more than $950, and it can be charged as a felony carrying up to three years in custody. Most people assume a theft case is a minor matter. It isn't.
Here's what most people don't realize until it's too late: a felony grand theft conviction follows you long after any jail time ends. It's the collateral damage that hurts most.
Grand theft is the felony-eligible tier of theft in California. Under Cal. Penal Code § 487, the dividing line is generally $950 — take property worth more than that, and the charge jumps from petty theft to grand theft. As a wobbler, PC 487 can be filed as a felony (16 months, two years, or three years) or a misdemeanor (up to one year in county jail).
The consequences reach into every part of your life:
- Employment: A theft conviction signals dishonesty to employers. Many won't hire someone with a "crime of moral turpitude" on their record — and theft is the textbook example.
- Professional licenses: Nurses, contractors, real estate agents, teachers, and dozens of other licensed professionals face discipline or revocation. Chudnovsky Law also handles the licensing side of these cases at the firm level, so we understand how a criminal plea can trigger a separate board action.
- Immigration: Theft offenses can be treated as crimes involving moral turpitude under federal immigration law, creating removal or inadmissibility exposure under 8 U.S.C. § 1227 and 8 U.S.C. § 1182. If you're not a U.S. citizen, the plea matters enormously.
- Housing: Landlords run background checks. A felony theft record can close doors on housing for years.
Key insight: In our experience, the value figure prosecutors put in the complaint is often softer than it looks. Grand theft turns on proving the property was worth more than $950 — and inflated retail "list" prices, disputed valuations, and lumped-together items are frequently challengeable. Knocking the value below $950 can convert a felony-eligible charge into simple petty theft under Cal. Penal Code § 488.
Court deadlines move fast in Los Angeles. The longer you wait to build a defense, the fewer options remain on the table. Call (213) 212-5002 to understand where you stand.
The Insider Defense Method: How We Attack a Grand Theft Case
We call our approach the Insider Defense Method — a four-stage system built on knowing how prosecutors think, because several of our attorneys used to be prosecutors. The core idea is simple: we treat the police report as the prosecution's untested theory, not as fact, and we pressure-test every element before the case ever reaches a jury.
Kareem Aref leads grand theft defense at the firm. As a former Deputy District Attorney who prosecuted criminal cases before switching to the defense side, he built theft cases from the inside — and now he dismantles them.
Stage 1 — Intercept
The best outcomes often happen before charges are even filed. When we're retained early, we can contact the assigned prosecutor at the LA County District Attorney during the charging review, present mitigating facts, and sometimes influence whether the case is filed as a felony, a misdemeanor, or filed at all. Early intervention is the single highest-use moment in a theft case.
Stage 2 — Attack the Elements
Every grand theft charge has moving parts the prosecution must prove: an unlawful taking, the intent to permanently deprive, and a property value exceeding $950. Intent to permanently deprive means the state must show you meant to keep the property for good — not that you borrowed it, misunderstood ownership, or intended to return it. We probe each element for the weakest point and attack there first.
Stage 3 — Suppress and Exclude
If police searched your car, phone, or home without a valid warrant or exception, we file a motion to suppress. A motion to suppress asks the court to throw out evidence obtained in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. When the seized property or your statements get excluded, the prosecution's case can collapse.
Stage 4 — Resolve or Try
With the weak counts identified and the evidence pressure-tested, we pursue the resolution that fits your goals — a reduction to petty theft, a diversion program that keeps a conviction off your record, or a jury trial. Our team has taken well over 100 jury trials to verdict, so our negotiation carries the weight of a firm that's genuinely ready to try the case.
Call (213) 212-5002 for a free case review — we'll tell you which stage your case is in and what your realistic options look like.
How Is Grand Theft Different From Other Theft Charges in California?
Grand theft (PC 487) is distinguished from petty theft by the value of the property — more than $950 makes it grand theft, $950 or less makes it petty theft under PC 488. But value isn't the only line that matters. Several related charges get filed alongside or instead of grand theft, and the distinctions carry real consequences.
Grand Theft vs. Petty Theft
The $950 threshold is the hinge. Petty theft under Cal. Penal Code § 488 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. Grand theft under PC 487 can be a felony. That $950 line is why valuation fights are so central — a difference of a few dollars in the state's proof can be the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony.
Grand Theft vs. Burglary
Burglary under Cal. Penal Code § 459 is entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony inside — the crime is complete at entry, whether or not anything is taken. First-degree residential burglary is a felony (two, four, or six years) and a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law. Commercial burglary is a wobbler. Prosecutors sometimes stack a burglary count on top of grand theft, which is why the charging documents deserve close scrutiny.
Grand Theft vs. Receiving Stolen Property
Under Cal. Penal Code § 496, receiving stolen property requires that you knew or should have known the property was stolen. It's also a wobbler, and it must be charged as a misdemeanor when the value is $950 or less absent disqualifying priors. A common defense: you had no idea the item was stolen.
Grand Theft Auto
Vehicle theft is frequently charged under Cal. Vehicle Code § 10851 — the unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle — which is a wobbler carrying up to three years as a felony. VC 10851 is distinct from grand theft of an automobile under PC 487; the two are often charged in the alternative, and which one sticks matters for both sentencing and your record.
How does prosecutors' choice between felony and misdemeanor get made? It comes down to the value taken, whether force or a weapon was involved, your prior record, and the strength of the evidence. In a straightforward case with a clean record and property just over $950, a misdemeanor filing or reduction is often realistic. Aggravating facts — high value, sophistication, multiple victims — push toward a felony.
What Penalties Does a PC 487 Conviction Carry? (With Outcome Scenarios)
A felony grand theft conviction under PC 487 carries 16 months, two years, or three years in custody; charged as a misdemeanor, it carries up to one year in county jail — plus mandatory restitution to the victim in nearly every case. Restitution is often the part clients overlook, and it can outlast any jail sentence.
Restitution is court-ordered repayment to the victim for the full value of the loss. In California, it's mandatory in most theft cases and remains enforceable even after you complete probation or custody.
The table below compares how the same underlying facts can resolve very differently depending on the charge and strategy.
| Charge / Resolution | Classification | Maximum Custody | Long-Term Record Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC 488 Petty Theft (reduced) | Misdemeanor | 6 months county jail | Misdemeanor; may be eligible for expungement |
| PC 487 Grand Theft (misdemeanor) | Misdemeanor | 1 year county jail | Misdemeanor theft; moral turpitude concerns |
| PC 487 Grand Theft (felony) | Felony (wobbler) | 3 years | Felony record; employment & license exposure |
| Diversion / dismissal | No conviction if completed | None | Case dismissed; strongest record outcome |
Here's what this means for you: the same set of facts can land anywhere on that table. The goal of a serious defense is to move your case up toward the top rows — reduction, diversion, or dismissal where the evidence supports it.
A felony conviction can strip your right to own a firearm and can serve as a "crime involving moral turpitude" for immigration and licensing purposes. These collateral consequences frequently matter more to clients than the jail exposure itself.
Can a Grand Theft Conviction Be Expunged in California?
Many misdemeanor and some felony theft convictions can be dismissed after successful completion of probation under Cal. Penal Code § 1203.4. Expungement doesn't erase the arrest, but it lets you truthfully tell most private employers you weren't convicted. Eligibility depends on the offense, whether probation was completed, and whether you served a state prison term. Ask us during your consultation whether your case qualifies.
Defending Grand Theft in the Los Angeles County Superior Court
Grand theft cases in central Los Angeles are often prosecuted at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center for felonies and the Metropolitan Courthouse for misdemeanors — two different buildings with very different rhythms. Knowing which venue your case lands in, and how it operates, shapes strategy from day one.
Where Your Case Will Be Heard
Felony PC 487 filings in the downtown/central area go to the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center at 210 W. Temple St., near the Music Center and just off the 101 Freeway. Misdemeanor theft matters in the same area are handled at the Metropolitan Courthouse at 1945 S. Hill St. Cases arising in East LA may be heard at the East Los Angeles Courthouse, and westside-area matters near LAX at the Airport Courthouse on S. La Cienega Blvd.
Chudnovsky Law defends cases in all 23 Los Angeles County criminal court locations, including Alhambra, Antelope Valley, Bellflower, Burbank, Compton, Downey, El Monte, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Norwalk, Pasadena, Pomona, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Van Nuys, and West Covina.
Local Realities That Shape Theft Cases
What most people miss: Los Angeles has invested heavily in prosecuting organized retail theft, and the LA County District Attorney and LA County Sheriff's Department coordinate on retail-theft task forces. That means store surveillance footage, loss-prevention testimony, and value documentation tend to be more polished here than in smaller counties — but that polish cuts both ways. Loss-prevention reports are frequently drafted to inflate value and gloss over gaps in the "intent" narrative, and cross-examination exposes those gaps.
For diversion-eligible clients, the LA County Probation Department administers programs that can lead to dismissal upon completion. Whether you qualify is a fact-specific question worth asking early.
Court deadlines are fixed and unforgiving. The sooner we begin, the stronger the strategy we can build — call (213) 212-5002.
What You Can Expect When You Hire Chudnovsky Law
We make three concrete commitments — not slogans, but specifics you can hold us to.
First, you'll speak with a real attorney, quickly. When you call (213) 212-5002, you reach a team that answers around the clock. Your consultation is a genuine conversation about your case, not a sales pitch — and it's free with no obligation.
Second, an experienced attorney handles your case, not a paralegal. Kareem Aref and our defense team personally manage grand theft matters. Our roster brings former prosecutors, deep trial experience, and recognition including Top 100 Trial Lawyers honors from the National Trial Lawyers Association, a Super Lawyers Rating, and a 10.0 Superb rating on AVVO.
Third, our fees are transparent and discussed upfront. Many theft matters are handled on a flat fee so you know the total cost before you retain us, and we offer payment plans where appropriate. We'll walk through the fee structure during your first call — in writing, no surprises.
Worried about cost? Going without representation is rarely the cheaper path. The cost of a felony conviction — lost jobs, a revoked license, immigration fallout — almost always dwarfs the cost of getting the defense right the first time.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.
Facing PC 487 charges in Los Angeles? Every day that passes narrows your options — especially the pre-filing window where the strongest results often happen. Call Chudnovsky Law at (213) 212-5002 for a free, confidential consultation. We answer 24/7 and defend clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Long Beach, and Santa Monica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grand theft a felony or a misdemeanor in California?
Grand theft under PC 487 is a "wobbler," which means prosecutors can charge it as either a felony or a misdemeanor. A felony carries 16 months, two years, or three years in custody, while a misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail. The decision depends on the property value, your prior record, and the facts of the case. An experienced attorney can sometimes influence that decision before charges are even filed.
What is the dollar amount for grand theft in Los Angeles?
In California, theft becomes grand theft when the property taken is worth more than $950, under Penal Code § 487. At $950 or less, it's generally charged as petty theft under PC 488, a misdemeanor. Because the exact value determines whether you face a felony, disputing an inflated valuation is often a central part of the defense.
How much does a grand theft lawyer cost in Los Angeles?
Your first consultation with Chudnovsky Law is free and carries no obligation. Many grand theft cases are handled on a flat fee, so you know the total cost before you retain us, and payment plans are available in appropriate cases. We discuss the full fee structure in writing during your first call at (213) 212-5002.
Can a grand theft charge be reduced to petty theft?
Yes. If we can show the property was worth $950 or less — by challenging inflated retail pricing, disputed valuations, or lumped-together items — a felony-eligible grand theft charge can be reduced to petty theft under PC 488. We pursue reductions wherever the evidence on value is weak.
Will I go to jail for a first-offense grand theft?
Not necessarily. For a first offense with a clean record, options like probation, diversion, or a reduced misdemeanor charge are often realistic, and many diversion programs lead to dismissal upon completion. Custody exposure depends on the value taken, aggravating facts, and the strength of the evidence. We evaluate every case individually to identify the best available path.
What are the defenses to a PC 487 grand theft charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent to permanently deprive, a good-faith claim of ownership, the owner's consent, mistaken identity, and challenging the property's value below $950. If police obtained evidence through an unlawful search, we can move to suppress it. The right defense depends entirely on the specific facts of your case.
Does a grand theft conviction affect immigration status?
It can. Theft offenses may be treated as crimes involving moral turpitude under federal immigration law, which can create removal or inadmissibility consequences under 8 U.S.C. § 1227 and 8 U.S.C. § 1182. If you're not a U.S. citizen, it's critical to have an attorney who understands how a plea affects your status before you agree to anything.
Can a grand theft conviction be expunged in California?
Many misdemeanor and some felony grand theft convictions can be dismissed after successful completion of probation under Penal Code § 1203.4. Expungement allows you to truthfully tell most private employers you weren't convicted, though it doesn't erase the arrest entirely. Eligibility depends on the offense and whether you completed probation without a prison term.
What's the difference between grand theft and burglary?
Grand theft (PC 487) is the unlawful taking of property worth more than $950. Burglary (PC 459) is entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or another felony — the crime is complete at entry, even if nothing is taken. Prosecutors sometimes charge both, so it's important to scrutinize the charging documents carefully.
How long do prosecutors have to file grand theft charges?
Felony grand theft in California generally carries a longer filing window than misdemeanor petty theft. Because the exact deadline depends on how the offense is classified and other case-specific factors, you should confirm your situation with an attorney rather than assume the case is time-barred. Call us and we'll review the timeline with you.
Should I talk to the police or a loss-prevention officer about a theft accusation?
No. Anything you say to police or a store's loss-prevention staff can be used to build the case against you, and statements are frequently the strongest evidence prosecutors have. Politely decline to answer questions and ask to speak with an attorney. Then call us at (213) 212-5002 before making any statement.
Do I really need a lawyer for a grand theft case?
Yes. Grand theft is a wobbler with felony exposure, mandatory restitution, and lasting consequences for your job, licensing, immigration status, and housing. An experienced attorney can challenge the value, attack weak evidence, and often influence charging decisions before you're even arraigned. The stakes are too high to face alone — and your first consultation is free.
Chudnovsky Law - Los Angeles Office
Address: 1933 S Broadway #1100, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
Contact No: (213) 212-5002
“I have to admit, I was a bad situation and I didn’t know my rights. Sitting in the holding cell without any information or guidance I felt my situation would soon get worse. I would like to thank the Attorneys of Chudnovsky Law for coming to my rescue. I would definitely recommend them to anyone facing the same issues. They are for real.”
KENNETH