BEFORE YOU START - THE TRAP TO AVOID

Do not conflate (g) and (l) - the person who TOOK the property is analyzed under (g); the person who KNOWINGLY RECEIVED it from someone else is analyzed under (l). Under (g), attempted theft alone satisfies the statute. Under (l), the KNOWLEDGE element is dispositive - unknowing possession of stolen property does not violate (l).

Q1 - WHAT WAS THE PUPIL'S ROLE?

Did the pupil personally take or attempt to take the property, OR did they knowingly receive property someone else stole?

Took/attempted to take it → Go to Q2 (analyze under §48900(g)).

Knowingly received it from another → Go to Q3 (analyze under §48900(l)).

Neither role established → Neither offense established. Select another applicable Education Code.

Q2 - §48900(g) THEFT/ATTEMPTED THEFT CONFIRMED?

Did the pupil steal or attempt to steal school or private property, with a nexus to school activity or attendance (§48900(s))?

Yes → §48900(g) established (completed theft NOT required - attempt is sufficient). Go to Q4.

No → §48900(g) NOT established.

Q3 - §48900(l) KNOWING RECEIPT CONFIRMED?

Did the pupil knowingly receive property that someone else stole, with a nexus to school activity or attendance?

Yes, knowledge established → §48900(l) established. Go to Q4.

No, unknowing possession only → §48900(l) NOT established - document facts showing lack of knowledge.

Q4 - SUSPENSION AUTHORITY

Is suspension being considered?

→ Standard EC §48911 analysis applies to both (g) and (l). Neither is on the §48915(c) mandatory immediate-suspension list. Document "other means of correction" findings per §48900.5(a).

Go to Q5 for the expulsion pathway.

Q5 - EXPULSION PATHWAY DETERMINATION

Is expulsion being recommended?

→ Both (g) and (l) are named in the SHARED discretionary pathway under EC §48915(e) (alongside (f), (h), (i), (j), (k), (m)). NOT mandatory or presumptive. The board must find EITHER other means of correction are not feasible/have repeatedly failed, OR the pupil's presence causes a continuing danger to physical safety.

Q6 - IS RESTITUTION BEING SOUGHT?

Did the taking/receipt involve school district property or another pupil's/employee's personal property?

Yes → EC §48904 parent liability (up to $10,000, inflation-adjusted) and grade/transcript withholding may apply as a SEPARATE track. Provide written notice and due process before withholding; offer a voluntary work program if the family cannot pay.

No → §48904 restitution track does not apply.

YOUR DECISION - CHECK ONE

□ §48900(g) VIOLATION - theft/attempted theft confirmed.

□ §48900(l) VIOLATION - knowing receipt confirmed.

□ EXPULSION RECOMMENDED - §48915(e) discretionary finding supported.

□ EXPULSION NOT RECOMMENDED - alternative correction adequate.

□ RESTITUTION PURSUED - written notice + due process completed.

□ NOT ESTABLISHED - facts do not support either offense. Review other codes.

REMINDER

Always document the facts behind your classification and decision. Discipline and restitution are SEPARATE tracks. This card is a guide, not legal advice - see the full CCG-016 Master Guide for complete detail.

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