Shoplifting - Penal Code 459.5

In California, grand theft under Penal Code 487 is committed when:

• a person enters a commercial establishment with the specific intent to steal,
• the commercial establishment was open during regular business hours, and
• the value of the property stolen did not exceed nine hundred fifty dollars ($950)

 Criminal Penalties

Shoplifting is generally a misdemeanor, but can be also be felony under some circumstances as well.

If convicted as a misdemeanor, you can be sentenced to county jail for up to six (6) months.

However, if you have suffered a prior conviction for homicide, forcible sex crimes, or any crime requiring registration as a sex offender, you can be convicted of shoplifting as a felony.