Pennsylvania’s Criminal Statutes Relating to Theft
The term “theft” includes a broad range of offenses such as:
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Petty theft
- Auto theft
- Embezzlement
- Theft by deception
- Identity theft
- Fraud
- Looting
- Deliberately accepting stolen property
Penalties for these offenses are serious, and scaled according to the circumstances. If convicted, you could face fines, a prison term, loss of employment opportunities and other consequences. A Philadelphia theft defense attorney can help defend you against the criminal charges being brought against you, explain your rights and protect your interests.
In Pennsylvania, aggravating and mitigating factors affect how theft crimes are charged. Factors that influence the prosecutor’s charging decision include:
- The dollar value of the property stolen
- The use of a weapon during the commission of the crime
- The defendant’s criminal record
- The evidence captured to prosecute the crime
Be aware that some crimes, such as auto theft, are virtually guaranteed to be charged as felonies. It may be helpful to review the statute that relates to the prosecution of your crime, under 18 Pa. Code §§ 3901—3934.
Judges realize that theft crimes may be spurred by serious socio-economic disparities and that the penal system may be better served by setting the criminal defendant on a path toward a better future. Depending of the facts of your case and the value of the item stolen, a judge may choose to set aside a sentence in favor or probation. If you believe that you can commit to the terms set forth for probation, it is vital to talk about the circumstances surrounding your arrest with a theft defense attorney in Philadelphia.
For more information about theft crimes in Pennsylvania, contact an attorney at the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman.