Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Petty theft is misdemeanor that carries up to six months in jail and/or a thousand dollar fine.

That's just the maximum. Any punishment depends on the facts, a defendant's entire criminal history (if any), the specific charges they're convicted of and what their attorney can work out on their behalf.

Please pardon any typos - posted via mobile device.

A petty theft with 1 prior, can be a misdemeanor or a Felony. The actual charge is called "Petty with a Prior.". The charge holds up to a year, as a misdemeanor or 3 years, as a Felony. This is a serious charge and you don't want these on your record. It becomes very difficult to obtain employment with convictions on your record. You should contact an attorney, to try to obtain the best result possible. I wish you well............David Wallin