Grand theft is determined by the value of the money, property or labor that is taken. In California, the amount is $400, which is average for the other states across the United States. Grand theft cases can include someone stealing from their employer, an offender who swipes several hundred dollars from a lady’s purse to a government employee that fudges the number of hours he or she works each week. Punishment in grand theft cases varies from state to state and also depends on the amount of money, goods or services taken. In some states anyone convicted must serve a minimum of a year in the county jail or state prison and could be sent away for up to 25 years if the theft is extremely large. Theft of a firearm will yield a larger punishment in some states. If an offender has a criminal record, he or she will likely spend more time behind bars. First-time offenders may receive probation, fines, community service and be ordered to pay restitution.