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.
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:
- The accused,
- took the property of another (by some means),
- 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- Unpublished dramas and musical compositions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.
Additional recommended reading:
- Lean more about The McShane Firm
- Contact us
- Free Guide on Criminal Law cases
- Pennsylvania theft statutes
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