Matthew J. Ruff Theft Law Blog on Lawyers.com

California law defines Petty Theft as the taking of personal property of another valued at less than $400.  Shoplifting is the same as petty theft as long as the intent exists to steal.  As a Beverly Hills Criminal Defense Attorney I am often asked what if the value is inflated such as items that are over priced due to the location of the staore such as what you might expect to find on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.  The fact is that it does not matter who the retailer is, if the price was over the amount than the theft has taken place.  In common practice, shoplifting is generally regarded as small amounts versus grand theft that involves a greater dollar amount (usually exceeding $400) In either case hiring a lawyer to resolve the charges is probably the wise choice.