Theft crimes are among the most commonly investigated and prosecuted crimes in Pennsylvania. A theft charge can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony offense depending on the type and value of the property stolen and other circumstances surrounding the crime. In addition, the grading of certain theft offenses can be upgraded if the offender has a criminal history of convictions for certain theft offenses.
Adverse Consequences of a Theft Conviction
Being convicted of a theft crime will often result in severe and long-lasting consequences, including jail time, supervised probation, significant fines, court costs and restitution.
Along with carrying a negative social stigma, individuals convicted of theft-related crimes will often have difficulty finding employment in their chosen field because many employers consider theft crimes to be crimes of “dishonesty.”
Professional and Financial Consequences of a Theft Conviction
Individuals convicted of a theft-related offense will often have difficulty acquiring housing, personal loans, educational loans and professional licensing and certification required for certain professions.
Therefore, is important to have a knowledgeable and dedicated criminal defense attorney on your side if you are charged with a theft crime.
Bucks County Theft Attorney
I have over a decade of experience providing skilled and aggressive representation to individuals charged with theft offenses in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the surrounding counties. Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response. Appointments are available after business hours and on weekends.
Pennsylvania Theft Crimes
The Pennsylvania criminal statutes address a wide range of conduct considered to constitute a theft crime. The most common theft crimes include:
- Theft by unlawful taking
- Retail theft
- Identity theft
- Theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake
- Theft by deception
- Receipt of stolen property
- Bad checks
- Theft of services
Penalties for Theft Crimes
If you are found guilty of theft in Pennsylvania, you face the following penalties:
- Property Valued Less Than $50
- 3rd degree misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
- Property Valued Between $50 and $200
- 2nd degree misdemeanor
- Up to 2 years in prison
- Up to 5,000 in fines
- Property Valued Between $200 and $2000
- 1st degree misdemeanor
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Property Valued Over $2,000 But Less Than $100,000
- 3rd degree felony
- Up to 7 years in prison
- Up to $15,000 in fines
- Property Valued Between $100,000 But Less Than $500,000
- 2nd degree felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- Property Valued at $500,000 or More
- 1st degree felony
- Up to 20 years in prison
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- Looting Any Property After a Disaster
- 2nd degree felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- Theft or Receipt of a Stolen Firearm
- 2nd degree felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Up to $25,000 in fines
- Theft of Automobile, Airplane, Motorcycle or Motorboat
- 3rd degree felony
- Up to 7 years in prison
- Up to $15,000 in fines
Theft Crime Defense
I have been successful in defending individuals facing the most common theft offenses as well as the most complex theft crimes. I will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of your case to determine the most effective legal defense to the charges. My professional network includes a number of highly skilled independent defense investigators.
Some cases may require the use of a defense investigator to interview and, if necessary, subpoena witnesses favorable to the accused. A defense investigator can also be used to acquire digital records, phone records, business records, surveillance video and other evidence establishing the innocence of the accused.
I will also examine whether the police and prosecutors violated any of your constitutional rights during the investigation and prosecution of the case. By building a solid defense quickly, I am often able to expose the holes in the prosecution’s case, making a successful resolution of the case much more likely. I can help you if you have been charged with a theft crime.
Start with a Strong Defense
If you have been charged with a theft crime in Bucks County, Montgomery County or the surrounding counties, it is critical that you act quickly to protect your rights and build the strongest possible defense against the charges.
Phone lines are open 24 hours a day at (215) 752-5282. Call today for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response.
