Reading Theft Crime Lawyer
Theft Crimes in Berks County
There are several different types of theft crimes and they vary in severity and penalties. Theft crimes can range from petty theft misdemeanors to serious felony theft. The state of Pennsylvania has serious consequences for theft. If you are at risk of a theft conviction you need to take the necessary step of obtaining legal representation. This type of conviction on your record can place doubt in many employers and can taint your reputation. Obtain representation from the best theft crime lawyer in Reading to help in your case. Fight against your theft charges by contacting Curtis E. Barnes, Attorney at Law right away. I have the experience needed to take on these types of charges and I can help you!
Categories of Theft Crimes
Rather than listing every variation of a theft crime, categorizing them makes theft easier to understand.
The theft crimes in Pennsylvania can be categorized as such:
- Theft by taking unlawfully: exercising control over movable or immovable property illegally.
- Theft by using deception: intentionally obtaining or withholding property belonging to another person by using deceptive tactics such as a false impression or hiding information.
- Theft of lost property or property obtained by mistake: taking control of property that was lost or delivered by mistake, but does not take measures to return it to the owner and has the intention of keeping it.
- Obtaining stolen property: intentionally receiving or obtaining property that they are aware was stolen, unless they plan to return it to the owner after receiving it.
- Theft of retail: taking any merchandise of a store with the intention of depriving the merchant of the merchandise without paying the correct price for it.
- Forgery: a crime based on fraud, intentionally defrauding someone by altering writing, uttering false writing, etc.
- Identity theft: possessing or using identification information of someone else without their consent for an unlawful purpose
This is one way to classify the various types of theft crimes in Pennsylvania and each category may have different penalties.
Theft Penalties and Sentences in Pennsylvania
When determining the consequences of a theft offense, the court may take into consideration the value of the property that was stolen as well as who the victim was and the circumstances of the case.
Property with a value under $50
- Charged as a Third Degree Misdemeanor or "Summary Offense"
- Up to one year in prison
- A fine of up to $2,500
Property with a value between $50 and $200
- Charged as a Second Degree Misdemeanor
- Up to two years in prison
- A fine of up to $5,000
Property with a value above $200
- Charged as a First Degree Misdemeanor
- Up to five years in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
Property above $2,000 or theft of a vehicle/vessel
- Charged as a Third Degree Felony
- Up to seven years in prison
- A fine of up to $15,000
Theft of a firearm
- Charged as a Second Degree Felony
- Up to 10 years in prison
- A fine of up to $25,000
Theft of a firearm while in the business of buying or selling stolen property
- Charged as a First Degree Felony
- Up to 20 years in prison
- A fine of up to $25,000
Defenses to Theft Crime Charges
When facing theft charges, you need to build a strong defense with the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Reading. Some of the defenses in your case could be to show a lack of intent to deprive the owner, showing an intention to return property or any type of duress or entrapment. Need an attorney for your theft crime case in Reading? I am a criminal defense attorney in Reading who has ample experience with theft crime cases!
If you are facing theft charges, contact me at Curtis E. Barnes, Attorney at Law right away.
