Pennsylvania Criminal Defense – Theft Incidents 

Taking property belonging to another person without consent and with the intent to deprive them of it permanently is theft, also known as larceny, and you need a criminal defense lawyer to defend your charges. It depends on the value of the stolen property whether theft is charged as a misdemeanor or felony in Pennsylvania. Even a minor theft charge can have affect your life in the future. In the event that you are facing theft charges in Pennsylvania, it is vital that you understand your legal rights and that you seek the assistance of a skilled Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney.

What Qualifies as Theft?

Shoplifting, robbery, burglary, identity theft, and embezzlement are among the types of theft crimes covered by Pennsylvania law. All thefts have one thing in common: taking something that does not belong to you without the permission of the owner.The stolen property’s value is taken into account when facing charges, and whether it is a misdemeanor or felony makes a big difference. It is possible to be charged as a summary offense if the stolen property has a value under $50, and there have been no prior offenses. The crime can, however, be charged as a felony if the amount exceeds $2,000 or is committed with force or threat of force.

How Pennsylvania Theft Charges Are Handled

There can be a lot of anxiety associated with being charged with theft, and the legal process can be confusing as well. However, you can prepare and make informed choices if you understand the steps involved. If you have been charged with theft in Pennsylvania, the following is an overview of what you can expect.

Arrest and Bail

When you are placed under arrest for theft, you will be taken into custody and brought before a judge who will set bail. Bail is the amount of money that you must pay before you can be released until your trial date. By posting bail, you are ensuring that you will appear at all court proceedings as instructed. In this process, you will need the help of an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney to advocate for a fair bail amount and navigate the process.

Attending the Preliminary Hearing

Following your arrest, you will be required to attend a preliminary hearing before a judge within ten days. The hearing is not the same thing as a trial, but used to decide if there is enough evidence to take the charge to court. Evidence must be presented at this stage that establishes probable cause that you committed a crime. Questioning witnesses and arguing for either dismissal or a reduction of charges can be done by your attorney.

Appearing at Trial

You will face either a judge or have a jury trial if the charges are not dismissed at the preliminary hearing. Trial are held in a courtroom where both sides present evidence and arguments. The prosecution has the burden of proving that you stole the item or money. It is your attorney’s responsibility to challenge the evidence against you and present any defenses you may have.

Facing Sentencing

Your sentence will be determined by the judge if you are found guilty at trial or if you plead guilty. Stealing convictions can result in all sorts of punishments, including probation or imprisonment, depending on the crime’s severity and other factors. There are alternative options such as diversion programs and community service that your attorney can explore with you to obtain a lenient sentence.

Get Help From a Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyer

You don’t have to face theft charges alone, but it can be stressful and confusing. It is important that you retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney through the entire legal process. A strong defense strategy tailored to your particular situation can be developed after a thorough review of your case, evidence gathering, and detailed analysis of the evidence. Additionally, your attorney will fight for the best possible outcome for your case, ensure that your rights are protected, and advocate for fair treatment. 

Criminal Theft Attorneys at Travis Law Firm

At the Travis Law Firm, we have protected our clients’ rights for over 25 years in Erie, Edinboro, and Warren. As a result of our understanding that criminal charges are scary, we keep our clients informed and reply to their inquiries promptly. Contact us online or over the phone at (814) 277-2222 if you would like to discuss your charges. It is our team’s goal to defend you aggressively.