Pennsylvania Theft Laws

The Top 10 Things NOT To Do If You're Arrested

If you’ve been charged with theft in Pennsylvania, the stakes are high. With theft charges, depending on the method of theft and the value of items taken, you could be facing heavy fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Contact a skilled PA theft lawyer now. Time is of the essence.

theft-charges-pa
Most theft charges are not black and white. Some are incredibly complex involving a long history. The police infrequently look to sort it out. They just charge folks with theft charges and “let the court sort it out.” That’s wrong.

Pennsylvania Theft Definition

The State of Pennsylvania defines theft as

the unlawful seizure or deprivation of movable property; or transfer or exercise of control of immovable property with intent to benefit one’s self.

In other simpler terms, the government has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

  1. The accused,
  2. took the property of another (by some means),
  3. with the intent to dispossess it from that person forever

Most of the time, what the police call theft is simply a misunderstanding or a mistake. Alternatively, the taking was without the intent to dispossess the rightful owner forever. Yet, other times, it is a true theft that meets all of the elements. 

Methods of theft in PA

Theft by:

  • Unlawful Taking
  • Deception
  • Extortion
  • Failure to make required disposition of funds received
  • Receiving Stolen Property

Theft of:

  • Services
  • Property Lost, Mislaid, or Delivered by Mistake
  • Secondary metal
  • Leased property
  • Trade secrets
  • Unpublished dramas and musical compositions

Theft from:

  • A Motor Vehicle
  • Library

Other types of theft charges in PA

  • Shoplifting (called retail theft)
  • Bad Checks
  • Unauthorized use of automobiles and other vehicles
  • Unlawful possession of retail or library theft instruments
  • Organized retail theft
  • Robbery in PA (Maximums and Defenses)

PA theft charges maximum punishments

The punishments for theft in PA vary depending on the method and value of the property taken. Even the most minor charges can result in jail time. You cannot take theses charges for granted. There is so much on the line beyond the instant threat of jail, probation, fines, costs and restitution. If you are convicted of any theft offense, for life that conviction follows you. It will stop you from getting the job of your dreams. Therefore, you must have an aggressive defense attorney at your side in court. At The McShane Firm, we are skilled litigators with a long history of getting charges reduced or dropped for clients like yourself.

Penalties for Theft:
Charge:
Value less than $50 (and not taken by force or violation of fiduciary duty)
Grading:
Misdemeanor 3
Maximum Prison:
1 year
Maximum Fine:
$2,500
Charge:
Value more than $50 but less than $200 (and not taken by force or violation of fiduciary duty)
Grading:
Misdemeanor 2
Maximum Prison:
2 years
Maximum Fine:
$5,000
Charge:
Value more than $200 but less than $2,000
Grading:
Misdemeanor 1
Maximum Prison:
5 years
Maximum Fine:
$10,000
Charge:
Value $2,000 or more; or if property stolen is a boat, car, airplane or other motor propelled vehicle; or in the case of receiving stolen property, the receiver is in the business of buying and selling stolen property
Grading:
Felony 3
Maximum Prison:
7 years
Maximum Fine:
$15,000
Charge:
Unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle or retail theft during a manmade, natural, or war-made disaster
Grading:
Felony 2
Maximum Prison:
10 years
Maximum Fine:
$25,000
Charge:
Value $500,000 or more; or in the case of receiving stolen property and the property is a firearm, and the receiver is in the business of buying or selling stolen firearms
Grading:
Felony 1
Maximum Prison:
20 years
Maximum Fine:
$25,000
Penalties for Retail Theft:
Charge:
First offense; or value less than $150
Grading:
Summary
Maximum Prison:
90 days
Maximum Fine:
$300
Charge:
Second offense; or value more than $150
Grading:
Misdemeanor 2
Maximum Prison:
2 years
Maximum Fine:
$5,000
Charge:
Third or subsequent offense, regardless of value; or value more than $1,000; or retail theft involving a firearm or motor vehicle
Grading:
Felony 3
Maximum Prison:
7 years
Maximum Fine:
$15,000

Know Your Rights

As you can see, when facing a theft charge in PA, the stakes are high. A theft conviction can rob you of your freedom for years to come. But we can help.

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