Offense
Grand theft
See PC 484, above, where value of property exceeds $950
See expansion of measure of $950 for PC 487, eff. 1/1/2025.
Aggravated Felony (AF)
Not an AF if either 1 year or more is imposed, or loss exceeds $10k; yes AF if both are present in the same count. See PC 484
Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)
Yes, CIMT for a new conviction, but at least arguably not a CIMT if conviction occurred before Nov. 16, 2016. See PC 484 notes.
Other Removal Grounds
No other removal ground
Advice and Comments
PC 487 See also AB 2943 expansion
Because PC 487 uses the definition of theft in PC 484, see discussion there. This can be a valuable plea to avoid an agg felony, including when fraud is charged.
Effective 1/1/25, expanded definition of the “aggregated” $950 value that is a basis to charge grand theft. The $950 can include value from acts committed against multiple victims and/or in other counties if the acts are motivated by one intention, plan, or impulse, evidence of which may include that acts involve the same defendant or defendants, are substantially similar in nature, or occur within a 90-day period. See AB 2943.
On the upside, if D will be forced to accept a wobbler conviction for a theft offense that did not exceed $950, this expansion may make it possible to plead 487 rather than (new) 496.5 or 496.6. Section 487 is better for immigration purposes if a year or more will be imposed: unlike 496.5 or 496.6, 487 can take a year or more without becoming an AF (as long as the loss to victim/s did not exceed $10,000).