Most California Theft Cases Are Misdemeanors

Proposition 47 reclassified most non-violent theft under $950 from felony to misdemeanor. Bail amounts dropped accordingly.

California Proposition 47, passed in 2014, fundamentally changed how shoplifting and petty theft cases are charged and bailed. Theft of property valued at $950 or less is now almost always charged as a misdemeanor under Penal Code § 459.5 (shoplifting) or §§ 484/488 (petty theft). Many first-time defendants are released on their own recognizance with no bail at all. When bail is set, it typically falls between $500 and $5,000.

Higher-value thefts, employee thefts at certain dollar thresholds, and theft cases with prior felony convictions can still be charged as grand theft (Penal Code § 487), which carries higher bail and felony exposure. Cases involving organized retail theft or multiple defendants are increasingly being charged as felonies under newer legislation as well.

Whatever the charge, California sets the bail bond premium at 10% by statute (Insurance Code § 1800.4). On a $5,000 bond, that is $500 — with payment plan options if needed. We post the bond, the defendant goes home, and the case proceeds to arraignment from there.

Call (626) 478-1062 for a free, confidential consultation. We pull the booking record and confirm the bail amount before you commit to anything.

Theft Charges We Handle

Misdemeanor and felony theft charges across every California county.

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Shoplifting — PC § 459.5

Entering a commercial establishment
Intent to steal ≤ $950 in merchandise
Misdemeanor under Proposition 47 (2014)

Proposition 47 reclassified most shoplifting as a misdemeanor. Bail typically ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on prior history.

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Petty Theft — PC §§ 484, 488

Theft of property valued at $950 or less
Includes employee theft, dine-and-dash, etc.
Misdemeanor — max 6 months county jail

Petty theft is the catch-all misdemeanor theft charge in California. Most defendants are released on their own recognizance or low bail.

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Grand Theft — PC § 487

Theft of property valued above $950
Auto theft, firearm theft, payroll theft
Wobbler — can be misdemeanor or felony

Grand theft carries higher bail — typically $20,000 to $50,000 — and prosecutors often charge it as a felony depending on circumstances.

The Statutes Behind Theft Bail Amounts

California law sets clear thresholds and pricing for theft cases.

Penal Code § 459.5

Shoplifting Defined

California defines shoplifting as entering a commercial establishment during regular business hours with intent to commit larceny of property worth $950 or less. Almost always a misdemeanor under Proposition 47.

Proposition 47 (2014)

Misdemeanor Reclassification

Proposition 47 reduced most non-violent property crimes under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors. This dramatically lowered bail amounts and increased OR releases for first-time defendants.

Cal. Ins. Code § 1800.4

The 10% Premium Is Statutory

California sets the bail bond premium between 8% and 10% of the total bond. The same rule applies to shoplifting, petty theft, and grand theft cases alike.

Don't Wait. Every Hour Matters.

When someone you love is behind bars, time is everything. Call us now or fill out the form and a licensed bail agent will contact you within minutes — not hours.

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Most clients released within 4-8 hours

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Shoplifting & Petty Theft Bail Bonds