What does appropriate lost property mean?

What does appropriate lost property mean?

Appropriation of lost property is a theft offense described under California Penal Code 485. This statute makes it a crime for anyone who finds lost property and doesn’t make a reasonable attempt to locate the owner.

What is the difference between PC 484 and PC 488?

Penal Code 488 PC sets forth the California crime of petty theft – which is defined as stealing someone else’s money, property or services worth $950 or less. Note that Penal Code 484 defines theft generally. Penal Code 487 sets forth the law on grand theft, or the theft of property worth more than $950.

Is PC 484 a felony?

Petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor (as opposed to a felony or an infraction). The crime is punishable by: imprisonment in county jail for up to six months, and/or. a maximum fine of $1,000.

Can you keep something you find on the ground?

Under California Penal Code 485, if you find property that was lost by the original owner, you are legally obligated to return it to the owner, if possible. If you make no effort to return the property and keep it for yourself, then you could face either misdemeanor or felony theft charges.

What is PC 484 A?

Under Penal Code 484(a) PC, California law defines the crime of petty theft as wrongfully taking or stealing someone else’s property when the value of the property is $950.00 or less.

Is 488 pc a felony?

What are the penalties for violating Penal Code 488? A violation of this statute is charged as a misdemeanor in California.

Do the police still accept lost property?

As a rule, police have stopped reporting or recording lost property. In fact, they also stopped issuing lost property reference numbers.

What happens if you find a large sum of money?

If you find money, especially a significant amount, you should check your local laws or contact an attorney or the police. If a law requires that you turn over money you have found to the police and you do not do so, you could be charged with larceny or theft.

Is PC 487 C a wobbler?

PC 487 is a “wobbler” that can be filed by the prosecutor as either a misdemeanor or felony crime. If the property taken has a value of less than $950, then a misdemeanor charge of petty theft can be filed. California law calls theft the common crime that some would call stealing or larceny.

What are the primary differences between petty theft 484 PC and grand theft 487 PC?

While petty theft, per PC 488, is the unlawful taking of property worth $950 or less; grand theft, per PC 487, is the unlawful taking of property worth more than $950. Thus the difference between petty theft and grand theft rests in the value of the property that is taken.