Are grand theft charges always classified a felony in the State of California? 10 Answers as of January 30, 2012

Grand theft can either be a felony or a misdemeanor. Also be aware that the amount level for this offense has changed over the years. It is now $950 so if you were convicted at an earlier time you may have a meritorious thought not guaranteed motion to reduce your conviction.

No, this charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor and evenexpunged upon completion of probation AND not having any othercriminal problems up until you seek this relief. Your attorney or Public Defender can do this for you.

A violation of Penal Code 487 Grand Theft is considered a wobbler. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Regardless of how your matter was charged you should petition the court to have it expunged, or reduced and expunged.

Not always. Sometimes it can be a misdemeanor. It depends on the finding of the court at the time of conviction - in other words, it will say whether or not it was a felony or misdemeanor. I assume you are off probation. You can make a motion to "expunge" your record under Penal Code section 1203.4.

No. It is considered a "wobbler". It can be filed as a felony or a misdemeanor at the discretion of the DA. You can probably get it reduced if you did not violate probation. If you have not violated, file a 1203.4 form. That could also result in a dismissal.

Grand theft is referred to as a wobbler offense. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. To know which yours was you would have to look at the court's minute order (you can obtain from the criminal clerk). However, as a wobbler it would be easy to bring a 17(b) motion to reduce to a misdemeanor then expunge with a 1203.4 motion if sufficient time has gone by since the conviction.

No. PC 487 is a wobbler. It can be charged/sentenced as a misdemeanor or felony. If you're given probation, it can be reduced to a misdemeanor and dismissed pursuant to PC 1203.4 (expunged).

That depends on what is was charged as. A grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor OR a felony. If it was filed as a felony, and you were convicted of it as a felony, then yes, it will always be a felony on your record. However, it may be possible to have it reduced to a misdemeanor after the fact, and expunged. On the other hand, if you were convicted of grand theft as a misdemeanor, then it will remain a misdemeanor and cannot be "upgraded" after the fact. If you are interested in trying to have it reduced (if convicted of a felony), you should speak with some local attorneys to have them explain the process to you and likelihood of success.

No. It is frequently charged as a misdemeanor, even if the dollar amount is higher than the threshold between a felony, and a misdemeanor, which is currently $950.

Grand theft is a "wobbler" - it can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. It can be charged as either by the prosecutor. What you were convicted of matters. You may be able to reduce it now and get it dismissed. Discuss your options with a local criminal defense attorney.