Penalties for Theft Offenses in Erie
Theft offenses in Erie are serious crimes. Pennsylvania laws define theft as taking or exercising control over movable property belonging to another person with the intent to deprive that person of the property.
Theft is also defined as unlawfully transferring or exercising control over immovable property belonging to another person with the intent to derive benefit from property that does not belong to him.
Are There Different Types of Theft Crimes in Pennsylvania?
There are many different theft offenses in Erie that a person could face, such as:
- Theft by unlawful disposition or taking
- Theft of services
- Retail theft
- Theft of property that is delivered by mistake or loss
- Theft of trade secrets
- Receiving stolen property
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Theft by extortion or deception
Being convicted of theft offenses in Erie can carry serve penalties. In addition to fines and jail time, you will have a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life.
Potential Penalties for Theft Offenses in Erie
In most cases, the penalties for theft offenses are based on the value of the stolen goods or services. The penalties depend on the method used to deprive the party of the goods or services. Even a minor theft offense could result in jail time, depending on the judge issuing the sentence and the factors in the case. You should never assume that you will not receive jail time for a minor theft offense because you do not have a criminal record or the value of the item stolen was not expensive.
The potential penalties for theft include:
- A value less than $50 when not taken by force is a Class 3 Misdemeanor that carries up to one year in jail a fine of up to $2,500
- Value of $50 but less than $300 not taken by force is a Class 2 Misdemeanor that carries up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
- A value of $200 but less than $2,000 is a Class 1 Misdemeanor that carries up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- Value of $2,000 or more is a Class 3 Felony that carries up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000
Other theft charges could result in a Class 1 Felony or Class 2 Felony charge. A person could face 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
Theft charges are not to be taken lightly. If you are arrested for theft offenses in Erie, you need an experienced Erie theft defense attorney working on your case as soon as possible. It is in your best interest to remain silent until you talk with a lawyer. Answering questions or trying to explain your “side of the story” is never a wise idea when facing criminal charges.
Call an Erie Theft Defense Attorney Now for a Free Consultation
Our Erie criminal defense lawyer has substantial experience defending individuals facing theft offenses. Call (800) 401-2066 now to schedule your free legal consultation to discuss potential defenses to theft offenses in Eire.