What is the penalty for stealing a car in California?
Most auto thefts are punishable with 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in prison; a fine of up to $10,000; or both.
What happens if you steal a car in California?
California petty theft is a misdemeanor carrying maximum penalties of six (6) months in county jail and/or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000). Therefore, if you have a felony grand theft auto conviction for stealing a car worth less than $950, you may be able to appeal your sentence under Proposition 47.
What crimes involve stealing cars?
Motor vehicle theft (also called car theft and, in the United States, grand theft auto) is the criminal act of stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle.
Is stealing a car a misdemeanor in California?
Stealing a vehicle or taking it on a joyride can result in a felony. Learn more about California’s auto theft laws. California criminalizes auto theft under its general theft law and under the vehicle code. Both crimes can be punished as misdemeanors or felonies.
Is grand theft auto a felony?
Grand Theft Auto is a more serious crime. This type of auto theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The punishment for a misdemeanor is a maximum of one year in county jail and up to three years in state prison if a felony.
What is a felony theft in California?
Obviously, the more serious the crime, the more likely the crime will be charged as a felony. If the item taken is valued at $950 or less, then the crime is considered a California Petty Theft in violation of Penal Code Section 484.
How much time do you get for car theft in California?
A conviction for a misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail. If convicted of a felony, a person faces prison time of 16 months, two years, or three years. In practice, prosecutors charge grand theft auto more often as a felony.