California Penal Code
Penal Code § 487 Grand Theft
Elevates theft to grand theft when the value exceeds the statutory threshold or the property falls into a listed category.
Statute text, verbatim
What the code actually says
The verbatim text for this section is being re-verified. Read it on the official California legislative site in the meantime.
Read on leginfo.legislature.ca.govReport readiness
What a report needs to survive this charge.
Knowing the code is the easy part. Cases get kicked when the narrative never documents an element the prosecutor has to prove.
Elements to document
- All elements of theft under Penal Code section 484
- Value exceeds the statutory threshold, or the property is a listed type
- Value is supported by a receipt, appraisal, or owner statement
- Multiple takings, if aggregated, follow a single scheme
Common report defects
- Value is estimated by the officer rather than the owner or a receipt
- Aggregation across incidents is not explained
- Firearm or vehicle category is asserted without serial or VIN detail
Abbreviated for reference. Report960 runs the full element and defect checklist against your narrative and quotes the exact passage behind every finding. This page is not legal advice.
Related sections
Charges that travel together.
Check a Penal Code § 487 report
Every element, checked.Every finding, quotable.
Paste or upload your narrative and Report960 flags the grand theft elements you left undocumented, grounded in the verbatim statute above.