This article should provide the reader with the knowledge and understanding of when someone receives benefits, such as cash, food, housing or health care, that they don’t qualify for. Welfare fraud sometimes involves identity theft. A criminal may use a stolen identity to receive public assistance meant for people most in need.

This article should provide the reader with the knowledge and understanding of the differences between blackmail and extortion and whether it is an act/offense that is subject to prosecution in the State of California.

Per California law, all theft crimes, including petty theft, fall under the Penal Code Section 484 PC. As defined by the law, Petty theft is any theft of a property that has a value of $950 or less. Most often, petty thefts are charged as misdemeanors and can lead to up to six months of county jail time, a fine of no more than $1,000, or both. 

Not all theft is the same, and so the potential seriousness of its charges depends on the details of the crime. We all know that stealing a t-shirt for $20 cannot be treated the same way as stealing $125,000 in jewelry; that’s why there are distinctions between the different forms of theft.

It is our nature to inquire about cost. When purchasing a car, home, groceries, or even a night out at a restaurant, we want to know the cost associated with the goods or services. That is a representation of monetary cost or value, but there is a non-monetary cost associated with a criminal charge and conviction as well.

In 2014, the citizens of the State of California voted to pass Proposition 47, which significantly reduced sentences of specific crimes committed within the state. Shoplifting is one of those charges making this offense a “wobbler” offense. In certain circumstances, the charge of Shoplifting (prior to 2014) may have been charged as a felony. Proposition 47; however, modified these guidelines by reclassifying Shoplifting as a misdemeanor in some cases.