New California Laws Strengthen Felony Sentences for Large-Scale Thefts

On August 16, 2024, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law California’s landmark legislative package of 10 bills, requiring prosecutors to impose harsher sentences for those who take, damage, or destroy property worth more than $50,000 while committing a felony. If the loss or property value exceeds $50,000, the court will add an additional year in prison. In California, stealing property valued at more than $950 may result in a grand theft charge.

It allows law enforcement to combine the value of goods stolen from different victims and counties to impose to help meet the threshold for felony grand theft. It also allows law enforcement to arrest an individual without witnessing the crime firsthand and only using video footage and/or witness statements. The same sentences will be applied to those who knowingly receive or resell stolen property. The enhancements expire on Jan. 1, 2030, unless renewed by lawmakers.