Section 490.1.
Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 490.1.
in effect(a)
Petty theft, where the value of the money, labor, real or personal property taken is of a value which does not exceed fifty dollars ($50), may be charged as a misdemeanor or an infraction, at the discretion of the prosecutor, provided that the person charged with the offense has no other theft or theft-related conviction.
(b)
Any offense charged as an infraction under this section shall be subject to the provisions of subdivision (d) of Section 17 and Sections 19.6 and 19.7.
A
violation which is an infraction under this section is punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
References
referencesCal. Penal Code - PEN § 17.
referencesCal. Penal Code - PEN § 19.6.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026
