Greater Philadelphia Theft Attorney
Practice Areas
Greater Philadelphia Criminal Lawyer Protecting Your Rights Against Theft Charges
Facing criminal charges of taking someone else’s property can turn your life upside down in an instant. Our Greater Philadelphia theft attorney team at Conway Schadler, LLC understands what’s at stake when prosecutors build a theft crime case against you. We defend clients throughout the Greater Philadelphia region and surrounding communities.
Theft charges come in many forms, from shoplifting to grand larceny, and each case requires a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts. As your Greater Philadelphia criminal defense attorney, we fight to protect your freedom and reputation at every stage of the legal process. Our team stands ready to create a strong defense on your behalf. Call (484) 997-2040 to schedule a consultation, or use our online contact page to discuss your case.
What Is Considered a Theft Crime Under Pennsylvania Law?
Pennsylvania law treats theft as the unlawful taking or control of another person’s property without permission. 18 Pa.C.S. § 3901 covers a wide range of theft offenses that go beyond simply taking physical items from a store or home. Money, tangible goods, and even services can all be the subject of a theft charge under state law. Prosecutors can pursue cases when someone receives stolen property, even if they weren’t the one who originally took it.
The legal definition is more extensive than many people realize, which means actions you might not consider criminal could still lead to serious charges. Understanding what the state considers theft will help you recognize when you need legal representation.
Pennsylvania Theft Charges
The severity of theft charges in Pennsylvania depends on the value of the property allegedly taken and the circumstances of the case. Prosecutors will evaluate the dollar amount involved to determine whether to file misdemeanor or felony charges against you. A theft involving property valued below a certain threshold typically results in a misdemeanor charge with lighter penalties. When the value exceeds specific amounts set by state law, you could face felony prosecution with much harsher consequences. The difference between these charge levels can mean the gap between probation and years in prison. Other factors, like prior convictions or the method used to commit the theft, can also elevate the charges you face.
Misdemeanor Theft Crimes
Misdemeanor theft charges are divided into degrees based on the value of the property involved. In Pennsylvania, Misdemeanor convictions stay on your record and can follow you for years after you’ve served your sentence. Each degree represents a real threat to your freedom, finances, and future opportunities.
- Third-Degree Misdemeanor: Property value of $50 or less, up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500
- Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Property value between $50 and $200, up to two years in prison and fines up to $5,000
- First-Degree Misdemeanor: Property value between $200 and $2,000, up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000
It is important to understand the different levels so you can grasp what you’re facing and why you need a Greater Philadelphia misdemeanor lawyer on your side.
Felony Theft Crimes
When the property value exceeds $2,000 or specific circumstances elevate the offense to a felony, prosecutors can pursue felony charges. An arrest for a felony can change your life forever, making it important to work with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer. The penalties grow significantly harsher as the value increases.
- Third-Degree Felony: Property value between $2,000 and $100,000, up to seven years in prison and fines up to $15,000
- Second-Degree Felony: Property value between $100,000 and $500,000, up to ten years in prison and fines up to $25,000
- First-Degree Felony: Property value exceeding $500,000, up to twenty years in prison and fines up to $25,000
In most cases, these convictions carry long-term consequences that extend far beyond prison time and fines. You could lose your right to vote, own firearms, and access certain professional licenses for the rest of your life.
Theft Crime Penalties in Pennsylvania
The court system in Pennsylvania imposes a range of punishments for those convicted of theft, depending on the charge level and circumstances. Long prison sentences represent just one part of what you could face if prosecutors secure a conviction against you. Penalties such as probation, fines, court costs, and restitution to the victim can be part of your sentence.
Judges will review your criminal history and the specific details of your case before deciding how harsh your punishment will be. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate, and fight to reduce or eliminate the penalties you’re facing.
How a Greater Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help with Theft Charges
Being accused of criminal offenses puts your future at risk, but you don’t have to face the charges alone. The criminal defense attorneys at Conway Schadler, LLC bring extensive experience to every case by carefully reviewing evidence, police conduct, and witness statements for potential issues. We identify weaknesses in the case and challenge improper charges that don’t fit the facts.
Our team looks for violations of your rights, gaps in the evidence, and procedural errors that can undermine the state’s arguments. The goal is to reduce charges, limit penalties, or pursue dismissal when the situation and circumstances allow.
Common Theft Crimes We Defend Against
Theft criminal charges come in many forms, and each type carries different legal standards and penalties. The specific offense you’re accused of having committed determines how prosecutors build their case and what defenses work best. Our firm handles a wide range of theft cases throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
Retail Theft and Shoplifting Allegations
Stores across Pennsylvania aggressively pursue shoplifting cases, working with law enforcement to press charges even for low-value items. Our theft attorneys defend clients accused of concealing merchandise, altering price tags, or removing security devices from products. Retail theft is a summary offense only for a first-time offender whose stolen goods are valued at less than $150. In some instances, store security footage doesn’t always tell the full story, and retailers sometimes may make false accusations or misidentify suspects.
Theft by Deception or Fraud Accusations
These offenses involve accusations that you used lies, false promises, or misleading statements to take someone’s property or money. Prosecutors may claim you committed fraud in business deals, obtained employment through false credentials, or tricked people into handing over cash or goods. The state must prove you intentionally deceived someone and that the deception directly led to your gaining their property.
Employee Theft
Accusations of stealing from an employer can destroy your career and lead to serious criminal cases that threaten your freedom. These charges often arise from disputed cash shortages, inventory discrepancies, or misunderstandings about what you were allowed to take from work. Employers sometimes accuse workers of theft to cover their own accounting errors or to retaliate against employees they want gone.
Theft by Unlawful Taking
This charge applies when prosecutors claim you took property, money, or a vehicle without permission and with no intention of returning it. The state treats these cases seriously, and penalties increase when the property is of high value or belongs to vulnerable victims. Burglary and Robbery charges can accompany theft by unlawful taking when the alleged crime involves entering a building or using force.
What to Do If You Are Facing Theft Charges in Pennsylvania
Contacting a Greater Philadelphia theft crime lawyer right away can make the difference between a favorable outcome and a permanent criminal record. The moments after an arrest are when the state starts building its case, and anything you say can be used against you in court. Early legal representation allows us to protect your rights during police questioning, preserve evidence that supports your defense, and begin negotiations before charges are formally filed.
If you wait too long to hire an attorney, it gives the prosecution time to strengthen their case while you remain vulnerable. A strong defense from the start can help you avoid incarceration, reduce charges, or even get the case dismissed before it goes to trial. The sooner you act, the more options we have to fight for your freedom.
Schedule a Free Consultation With The Greater Philadelphia Theft Lawyers at Conway Schadler, LLC
Conway Schadler, LLC offers free, confidential consultations for anyone facing theft charges in the Greater Philadelphia area. Criminal matters require experienced representation that understands both the law and how to fight back against aggressive prosecutors. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will explain your options, answer your questions, and form a legal strategy focused on protecting your future.
Taking action early may help reduce jail time and avoid the long-term consequences that follow a conviction. Don’t face these charges alone when skilled legal help is available to fight for you. Contact us today at (484) 997-2040 or through our online contact page to discuss your case and learn how we can defend your rights.
