Is it theft by deception for hiding a car in California?

It depends. In California, theft by deception is defined as taking possession of another person's property by fraud or deceit. If a person hides a car with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of the vehicle, it may be considered theft by deception. However, if a person hides the car with the intent to temporarily use it or to return it to the owner at a later time, it may not be considered theft by deception. Ultimately, the specific circumstances of the case would need to be considered to determine if hiding a car constitutes theft by deception under California law.