Petty Theft Misdemeanor: What You Need to Know

When Winona Ryder was caught shoplifting in 2002, the incident quickly made headlines. While celebrity cases get more attention, petty theft is one of the most common theft charges filed in court, including right here in San Diego. As a San Diego theft lawyer, I’ve handled many of these cases and can offer insights into what makes this offense serious and the potential consequences you may face.

What is Petty Theft?

In California, petty theft is defined primarily by the dollar value of the item taken. If the total value of the stolen property is less than $950, the offense is considered petty theft, which is categorized as a misdemeanor.

Petty theft charges are often seen as less severe compared to felony theft, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. If convicted, even a misdemeanor charge can bring about consequences that affect your life—especially if you hold a professional license or are part of a regulated industry.

Criminal Consequences

If the charge remains a misdemeanor (and no felony charges are added), the consequences are typically not as severe as a felony. However, there are still potential penalties to consider:

• Fines: You may be required to pay fines.

• Restitution: You will likely need to return the stolen items or compensate the victim for their loss.

• Community Service: A common sentence for petty theft includes public works service like cleaning up local parks or streets.

Alternative Sentencing

For those seeking to avoid a criminal conviction, there are alternative options available in some cases. Programs such as theft education classes or volunteer work may be available to help you keep a clean record. These programs could lead to a deferred judgment, which means the charge may not appear on your criminal record. A deferred judgment is a great option for those who want to avoid the long-term consequences of a conviction.

When a conviction is deferred, no sentence is issued, and no record of the conviction is entered into the Department of Justice database, which employers and educational institutions typically use during background checks.

Professional Consequences

In California, professionals who are licensed by the state, such as doctors, nurses, real estate brokers, and lawyers, face additional scrutiny when it comes to criminal offenses like petty theft. Even if the criminal charges are dismissed, the California Attorney General’s office and other regulatory agencies may still take action.

For example, healthcare professionals are required to report any arrests to their licensing boards—even if no charges are filed. Failure to report an arrest promptly can result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of professional licenses. In fact, a conviction for petty theft can have lasting, career-altering consequences for professionals.

For those with licenses, it’s crucial to be responsive and cooperative when dealing with any notices or disciplinary actions. Ignoring these issues can lead to severe professional consequences, including the loss of your career.

Contact Us for Help with Your Petty Theft Charge

Facing a petty theft charge can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to protect your future. If you’re facing a petty theft charge in California, contact the Law Office of George Gedulin for a free consultation.

We are available 24/7 to provide guidance and support as you navigate the legal process.