What is required for petty theft to be classified as a felony under Penal Code 666?

To classify petty theft as a felony under Penal Code 666, there needs to be evidence of three or more prior related convictions for theft. This statute is designed to penalize individuals who repeatedly engage in theft-related offenses, thus establishing a pattern of behavior that justifies elevating what would otherwise be considered a misdemeanor into a felony charge. The presence of prior convictions indicates a disregard for the law and an ongoing issue with theft, warranting more severe legal consequences.

The other options do not meet the criteria needed for this specific classification under the code; they address different aspects of theft offenses that do not pertain to the strict prerequisites outlined in Penal Code 666. This focus on a history of criminal behavior helps to deter habitual theft and reinforces the legal principle that repeat offenders face harsher penalties.