PA Theft Lawyers—Burglary, Shoplifting & Robbery
An arrest for theft, fraud, shoplifting / retail theft, burglary or robbery can come with very harsh penalties in Pennsylvania.
A conviction could cause severe repercussions—you could be sentenced with large fines and jail time, not to mention a criminal record will affect your ability to find employment, pass backgrounds checks and apply for loans.
Depending on the value of the goods that have been reported stolen, and other determining factors, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
If you have been charged with theft in Pennsylvania, the best way to defend your rights and your future is to contact an experienced attorney for a free consultation.
An experienced criminal attorney can help you understand your charges and provide sound legal defense against deficient or flawed evidence and possible simple misunderstandings.
Consequences of Theft and Burglary Convictions in PA
Information on Theft Charges in Pennsylvania
Theft involves taking someone else’s belongings or property without that person’s permission or by deception. Theft can be committed through fraud, extortion or deception.
You can be charged with theft as a misdemeanor, but if the value is high enough, you have prior convictions or it involves certain items, you will be charged with a felony. A felony comes with much harsher penalties and can include probation, community service, jail or prison time and fines and court costs.
Depending on the value of the stolen property, the item taken and whether you have prior convictions, there could be a very lengthy prison sentence. If a weapon is used in conjunction with a theft, penalties can be very severe, including mandatory time in prison. Penalties can also increase if the victim of the crime is elderly or disabled.
Whether a theft charge ends up being a misdemeanor or a felony, a conviction can have a major impact on your future and your family’s future. It can be very difficult to get a job once you have a theft conviction on your record.
However, being charged with theft does not mean you will be convicted — building a strong legal defense can help protect your rights and freedom.
Information on Shoplifting Charges in PA
In Pennsylvania, Shoplifting is also called Retail Theft. If you are charged or arrested with Retail Theft in Pennsylvania, you could face up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine. If the retail value of the allegedly stolen item is less than $150, you still could face up to three months in jail, not to mention a criminal record. Read our page on retail theft in Pennsylvania for more information.
Information on Burglary Charges in PA
Theft or robbery does not have to occur in order for someone to be charged with burglary. Under Pennsylvania Law, burglary incurs when someone enters a building with the intent to commit a crime therein. The crime could be theft, arson, rape, murder or any other crime. You can be arrested for burglary without ever committing a crime. If the police believe you intended to commit a crime they can arrest you.
Most burglary convictions are graded as a felony of the first degree and can lead to hefty prison sentences. Even if no one was in the building at the time of entry and it has not been adapted for overnight accommodation, it is still considered a second-degree felony.
Information on Robbery Charges in PA
Robbery is a felony. A theft or burglary is considered robbery when the person charged with the crime harms or threatens to harm someone, either with physical violence or a weapon. This can include forcibly and physically taking someone’s property from him or her, no matter how slight. Grabbing a purse and running, for example, could be considered robbery if someone feels that they were threatened by harm. Theft, or attempted theft, must be proven in order to find someone guilty of robbery.
A robbery conviction means a felony on your permanent record, not to mention years of prison and hefty fines. Finding employment may prove difficult, as future employers will not know whether to trust someone with a criminal background.
Defending Your Rights Against Theft Charges
Whether you have been charged for shoplifting, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft of services, burglary, retail theft, receiving stolen property, theft or robbery, consult a qualified and experienced theft attorney about your case.
At Ketchel Law, Our number one goal is to have your case dismissed.
A strong defense that pursues every angle can make the difference between a guilty and not guilty verdict—the difference between your freedom and being locked up.