Philadelphia Theft Defense Lawyers

There are many types of theft charges in Pennsylvania. Theft crimes, such as shoplifting and possessing stolen property, are some of the most common offenses that people are charged with in Philadelphia. While theft offenses range from misdemeanors to extremely serious felonies, all have the potential to result in jail time, costly fines, and other negative consequences if the defendant is convicted. Additionally, a convicted defendant will receive a criminal record and suffer damage to his or her reputation, which could result in job loss or inability to work in certain occupations.

If you or someone in your family was recently arrested for theft in Philadelphia, make sure you are represented by a tough defense attorney who knows the laws and how to navigate them. At the Law Office of Lonny Fish, our attorneys have represented thousands of defendants charged with felonies and misdemeanors, and may be able to have your charges reduced, have you acquitted, or even have your case dropped or dismissed. However, the longer you wait to seek legal help, the more difficult it will be for you to beat the charges.

Types of Theft Charges Our Criminal Lawyers Handle

“Theft” is actually a broad term that describes many different criminal offenses. If you or a family member has been charged with theft in Philadelphia, it is critical to make sure that your theft attorney has prior experience handling cases like yours.

At the Law Office of Lonny Fish, our award-winning criminal defense lawyers have worked on thousands of criminal cases, and approach every theft charge with decades of trial and courtroom experience. We analyze each client’s case from every possible angle, looking for the smallest of cracks or vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s strategy while ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected. Our Philadelphia theft lawyers are qualified to handle a wide array of theft charges in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, including:

• Organized Retail Theft (Shoplifting) – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3929.3
• Receiving Stolen Property – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3925
• Shoplifting (Retail Theft) – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3929
• Stealing Lost Property (Theft of Property Lost, Mislaid, or Delivered by Mistake) – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3924
• Theft by Deception – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3922
• Theft by Extortion – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3923
• Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3921
• Theft from a Motor Vehicle – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3934
• Theft of Services – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3926
• Theft of Trade Secrets – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3930
• Unauthorized Use of Automobiles and Other Vehicles – 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3928

In addition to representing defendants who have been arrested and charged with theft, our Philadelphia criminal attorneys also provide representation for defendants charged with related offenses, including:

• Assault (Simple, Aggravated)
• Burglary
• Gun Possession
• Robbery
• Vandalism and Property Crime

What is Considered Theft in Pennsylvania?

Theft in Pennsylvania is committed when a person unlawfully takes or exercises control over the property of another with the intent to deprive them of it. Additionally, it is considered theft to receive, retain, or dispose of someone else’s property that has been unlawfully taken with the intention of depriving them of it. The crime of theft can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the property stolen.

When it comes to theft, the punishment for the crime can vary depending on a number of factors. The severity of the theft, whether or not violence was used, and the value of what was stolen are all taken into account when determining a sentence. However, no matter what the circumstances may be, if you are convicted of theft, you will likely face some form of punishment.

Theft is a serious offense in Pennsylvania. A conviction can result in jail time, a fine, or both. If you have been accused of theft, it is important to contact a skilled theft lawyer in Philadelphia, PA as soon as possible. The Liberty Law Team is a respected law firm that has successfully defended clients against all types of theft charges, including shoplifting, burglary, and auto theft.

The Difference Between Misdemeanor Theft and Felony Theft

In Pennsylvania, a misdemeanor theft charge is defined as taking property that is valued at $50 or less. The penalties for a misdemeanor theft conviction include up to five years of probation, a fine of up to $2500, and/or a max of one year in prison. If the theft is robbery or in relation to organized crime it can be a second-degree misdemeanor, a third-degree misdemeanor, or bumped to a felony.

Felony theft is defined as taking property that is valued at more than $2000. The penalties for a third-degree felony theft conviction are much harsher and can include up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 and range from first-degree felony theft, to second-degree felony theft and third-degree felony theft crimes.

The value of the property stolen is not the only factor that determines whether a theft crime is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. Other factors that can contribute to this decision include the type of property stolen and the manner in which it was stolen.

For example, if someone robs a bank, this is a felony because it is considered a robbery, which is a type of theft that is always classified as a felony. Additionally, if someone steals a car, this is also typically classified as a felony because vehicles are considered valuable property.

What Are Some Defenses Against Criminal Theft Charges?

There are a few different types of defenses your theft lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can use on your behalf. The first is called Duress. This type of defense argues that the accused was forced to commit the crime due to threats or coercion.

The second type of defense is called Entrapment. This occurs when law enforcement officials induce someone to commit a crime, even if they would not have normally done so.

The third type of defense is insanity. In order for this defense to be used, the accused must have a mental disorder that prevented them from understanding that their actions were wrong.

Lastly, your theft lawyer may try to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. A plea bargain is an agreement between the accused and the prosecutor in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.

If you have been charged with theft, it is important that you contact a qualified theft lawyer in Philadelphia, PA as soon as possible. They will review your case and help you decide what the best course of action is. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Will I Be Tried for My Theft Case?

Most theft cases in Philadelphia, PA are tried in the city’s Criminal Court. If you have been arrested and charged with theft, you will most likely need to appear in court for a preliminary hearing. At this hearing, the prosecution will present evidence against you and try to convince the judge that there is enough evidence for your case to go to trial. If the judge believes there is enough evidence, your case will be scheduled for a trial date.

At your trial, the prosecutor will attempt to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the theft. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and if they cannot meet this burden, you will be found not guilty. If you are found guilty, however, you may be sentenced to jail time, probation, or other penalties.

No matter what stage of the criminal process you are in, it is important to have an experienced theft lawyer by your side. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, the evidence that will be used against you, and your options for defending yourself. If you have been charged with theft, contact Liberty Law Team in Philadelphia, PA today to schedule a consultation.

If You Were Arrested for Theft in Philadelphia, Call Our Defense Attorneys

Former assistant district attorney Lonny Fish is an attorney who knows how prosecutors think and what they need to prove their case. He will use this inside knowledge to build a strong defense on your behalf. He will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and work tirelessly to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed and can possibly get you acquitted altogether. Our theft defense lawyers have repeatedly achieved results that are clear in our track record of acquittals, sentence reductions, and other favorable case outcomes.

We have helped thousands of defendants navigate Pennsylvania’s complicated legal system, and are ready to provide the assistance and protection you require. For a free legal consultation about theft charges in Philadelphia or the surrounding area, call our law offices immediately at (215) 826-3314. We are here to assist in any way we can.