Grand Theft Lawyer in Salinas

Felony & Misdemeanor Theft Defense for Monterey County

Under California Penal Code 487, grand theft applies when the value of stolen money, labor, or property exceeds $950, or when the property taken is an automobile or firearm regardless of value. That $950 line is the first thing we examine in any theft case, because it separates a misdemeanor from a felony with serious consequences. At The Worthington Law Centre, we defend both felony and misdemeanor theft charges for clients throughout Salinas and Monterey County.

Grand theft is a wobbler offense, meaning prosecutors have discretion to file it as either a misdemeanor or a felony. That classification isn’t fixed. How the charge is filed, and whether it stays that way, depends heavily on early legal work.

Facing a grand theft charge? Contact The Worthington Law Centre at (831) 704-1852 to schedule your free consultation.

What Prosecutors Must Prove

Grand theft under PC 487 can be charged under four legal theories: larceny, false pretense, trick, or embezzlement. Larceny is the most common. To secure a larceny conviction, the prosecution must prove you took someone else’s property without their consent, moved it (even slightly), and intended to permanently deprive them of it. Each of those elements is a potential point of challenge.

Proposition 47, codified at Penal Code 490.2, reinforced the $950 threshold by directing that theft at or below that value be charged as misdemeanor petty theft, regardless of which theory the prosecution uses. The one exception: theft of a firearm remains grand theft at any dollar amount.

Penalties for a Grand Theft Conviction

The sentencing range varies significantly depending on how the charge is filed and what was allegedly stolen.

Misdemeanor grand theft carries up to one year in county jail. Felony grand theft carries 16 months, two years, or three years of custody. Both outcomes also require restitution to the victim. When the value of stolen property allegedly exceeds $65,000, a sentencing enhancement under Penal Code 12022.6 adds one year to any felony sentence, and two years when the amount exceeds $200,000.

Grand theft of a firearm sits in a separate category. It’s always charged as a felony and qualifies as a serious felony strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. A single prior strike can double the sentence on any future felony conviction, which makes early defense work important.

Why Clients Choose The Worthington Law Centre for Theft Defense

Our firm has more than 50 years of experience handling criminal cases in Salinas and across Monterey County. Both of our leading attorneys hold California State Bar certification in criminal law, a credential that requires demonstrated proficiency, extensive experience, and passing a rigorous written examination. We’ve represented professionals, public officials, and clients from all walks of life facing serious felony allegations.

Our approach to a grand theft charge starts well before any trial date. We review the valuation of the property, challenge the prosecution’s theory of the case, and assess whether the wobbler classification gives us grounds to petition for misdemeanor treatment. We work every case the same way: protect your constitutional rights and pursue avenues for reducing or dismissing charges before trial.

Multilingual Support Staff
Our multilingual support staff ensures communication is never a barrier. Our office is located in the historic Hitchcock House in downtown Salinas, a reflection of our deep roots in this community and our commitment to being accessible to the clients we serve.

Serving Salinas & Monterey County

Arraignments and proceedings for Monterey County criminal charges are handled at the Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas, the county’s main courthouse and its highest-volume filing hub. We appear there regularly. Our firm serves clients in Salinas, Monterey, Marina, Seaside, and throughout San Benito County.

Start with a Free Consultation

A grand theft charge carries real consequences, and the wobbler classification means early decisions matter. We offer free initial consultations so you can discuss your situation without any financial commitment.

Call The Worthington Law Centre at (831) 704-1852 to speak with a certified criminal law attorney about your case.