Petty theft is a misdemeanor, and the penalties may be less severe than defendants anticipate, especially if this is their first offense. The consequences increase as the value of alleged stolen property increases, and our lawyers can help defendants facing any theft charges in Pennsylvania.

You may be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor for stealing property valued at less than $50. As the value of property gets higher, so does the charge, with defendants accused of stealing over $500,000 in property facing first-degree felony charges. Prosecutors may approach defendants in theft cases about accepting plea deals, but they should not do so without first consulting with our lawyers to confirm that it is the best course of action.

Call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314 for a free case assessment from our Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers.

What is Petty Theft in Pennsylvania?

While petty theft may not sound like a serious offense with serious penalties, you should still take your case seriously if you are arrested and charged in Pennsylvania. When the amount allegedly stolen is less than $50 and taken without threat or use of force, the offense is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

Stealing from a store is a separate offense known as retail theft in Pennsylvania, which is charged as a summary offense upon the first arrest for allegedly stealing merchandise valued at less than $150.

A third-degree misdemeanor charge for theft is one of the most common among juveniles. If your child has been recently arrested for petty theft in Pennsylvania, contact our lawyers immediately. We can advocate for their rights, explain the juvenile court process, and help your family navigate a potential trial.

What Are the Value Thresholds for Theft Charges?

As mentioned, allegedly stealing less than $50 is a third-degree misdemeanor charge in Pennsylvania. The value of the allegedly stolen property dictates the charge, so let us determine what charges you may face.

Values for Misdemeanor Charges

If the amount involved was $50 or more but less than $200, theft is charged as a misdemeanor of the second degree.

Generally speaking, allegedly stealing $2,000 or less may be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor in Pennsylvania.

Values for Felony Charges

Theft is a felony of the third degree if the amount exceeds $2,000. Theft is also a third-degree felony if the alleged stolen property is a motor vehicle, such as a car, plane, boat, or motorcycle.

Theft is a second-degree felony if it occurs during a natural disaster or man-made disaster, the property allegedly stolen is a firearm, or the amount involved is $100,000 or more but less than $500,000. Stealing any amount of anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous fertilizer, is a second-degree felony.

When the amount involved exceeds $500,000, theft is charged as a first-degree felony in Pennsylvania. In a case of theft by receiving stolen property where the receiver is in the business of buying and selling property and receives a firearm, first-degree felony charges may be filed.

What Are the Penalties for Theft Convictions in Pennsylvania?

The penalties for petty theft are less severe than those for first-degree felony theft charges in Pennsylvania. We can break down the exact consequences you face upon conviction and help avoid those consequences by building a strong defense.

Misdemeanor Convictions

Third-degree misdemeanor convictions carry potential jail sentences of up to one year, as well as fines of up to $2,500. Because the amount involved in petty theft cases is so small, jail is unlikely, and you may only have to pay some fines if convicted.

Penalties increase as charges elevate. A conviction for a second-degree misdemeanor theft offense carries a risk of up to two years in prison. There are also potential fines for defendants, which can be as high as $5,000.

Getting convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor for stealing $2,000 or less of property carries a possible sentence of up to five years in jail. The maximum fine in first-degree misdemeanor cases is $10,000, a substantial increase from the fines associated with third-degree misdemeanor convictions.

Felony Convictions

Third-degree felony convictions carry prison sentences of up to seven years and fines of up to $15,000. Even on a third-degree felony conviction, you may face minimal jail time, especially if this is your first offense, you pay fines, and you follow the rules of your probation.

The maximum sentence for a second-degree felony conviction for theft in Pennsylvania is 10 years in prison, and the maximum sentence for a first-degree felony ovation is twice that, up to 20 years.

Should I Plead Guilty to Petty Theft in Pennsylvania?

Some defendants believe that pleading guilty to a lesser charge, such as petty theft, will resolve cases more quickly and carry minimal risk of serious consequences. In any theft case, prosecutors may urge defendants to plead guilty, offering them a deal in exchange for their cooperation. Never accept a plea deal without having our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers review it first, as it may not be as favorable as it appears.

You should now plead guilty to a crime you didn’t commit. When defendants speak with officers or prosecutors without an attorney present, they may inadvertently misspeak or feel pressured into a corner. Let us advocate for you during police questioning and a possible criminal trial in Pennsylvania.

If you plead guilty to petty theft or other theft charges, the conviction will go on your record. It may impact future employment opportunities and other aspects of your life, so you should only accept a plea if you are prepared for what it entails.

Plea deals can be effective tools in mitigating jail time for defendants facing especially serious theft charges. Still, you should not sign any deal until we have read it and confirmed that it somewhat favors you and limits your consequences.

Call Our Pennsylvania Lawyers for Help with Your Criminal Defense

Call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 826-3314 for a free case review from our Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers.