Theft Lawyer in Philadelphia Doing Everything It Takes to Protect Your Rights
When it comes to theft, the punishment for the crime can vary depending on a number of factors. The severity of the theft, whether or not violence was used, and the value of what was stolen are all taken into account when determining a sentence. However, no matter what the circumstances may be, if you are convicted of theft, you will likely face some form of punishment.
Theft is defined as taking something that doesn’t belong to you without permission. This could be anything from stealing a small item from a store to robbing someone at gunpoint. While there are different levels of severity, all forms of theft are considered criminal offenses and can result in fines or jail time.
Theft is a serious offense in Pennsylvania. A conviction can result in jail time, a fine, or both. If you have been accused of theft, it is important to contact a skilled theft lawyer in Philadelphia, PA as soon as possible. The Liberty Law Team is a respected law firm that has successfully defended clients against all types of theft charges, including shoplifting, burglary, and auto theft.
Former assistant district attorney Lonny Fish is an attorney who knows how prosecutors think and what they need to prove their case. He will use this inside knowledge to build a strong defense on your behalf. He will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and work tirelessly to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed and can possibly get you acquitted altogether.
The Liberty Law Team is a zealous and effective theft lawyer in Philadelphia, PA. They will do everything it takes to protect your rights and freedom. Contact them today at (215) 732-3474 to schedule a free consultation.
What is Considered Theft in Pennsylvania?
Theft in Pennsylvania is committed when a person unlawfully takes or exercises control over the property of another with the intent to deprive them of it. Additionally, it is considered theft to receive, retain, or dispose of someone else’s property that has been unlawfully taken with the intention of depriving them of it. The crime of theft can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the property stolen.
Some common theft charges in Pennsylvania include:
- Retail theft (shoplifting)
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Receiving stolen property
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Carjacking
Any of these above crimes are forms of theft and can be punishable in a court of law. Theft can be done in a number of ways. One way is to physically take an item from someone without their permission. This is often called stealing. Another way to commit theft is to fraudulently take someone’s property, for example by using a fake ID to buy something. Theft can also involve taking money or other property through deception or by making a false promise. A theft lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can help you if you have been accused of any of these types of theft.
The Difference Between Misdemeanor Theft and Felony Theft
In Pennsylvania, a misdemeanor theft charge is defined as taking property that is valued at $50 or less. The penalties for a misdemeanor theft conviction include up to five years of probation, a fine of up to $2500, and/or a max of one year in prison. If the theft is robbery or in relation to organized crime it can be a second-degree misdemeanor, a third-degree misdemeanor, or bumped to a felony.
Felony theft is defined as taking property that is valued at more than $2000. The penalties for a third-degree felony theft conviction are much harsher and can include up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 and range from first-degree felony theft, to second-degree felony theft and third-degree felony theft crimes.
The value of the property stolen is not the only factor that determines whether a theft crime is classified as a misdemeanor or felony. Other factors that can contribute to this decision include the type of property stolen and the manner in which it was stolen.
For example, if someone robs a bank, this is a felony because it is considered a robbery, which is a type of theft that is always classified as a felony. Additionally, if someone steals a car, this is also typically classified as a felony because vehicles are considered valuable property.
What Defense Can a Theft Lawyer Use for My Theft Case?
There are a few different types of defenses your theft lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can use on your behalf. The first is called Duress. This type of defense argues that the accused was forced to commit the crime due to threats or coercion.
The second type of defense is called Entrapment. This occurs when law enforcement officials induce someone to commit a crime, even if they would not have normally done so.
The third type of defense is insanity. In order for this defense to be used, the accused must have a mental disorder that prevented them from understanding that their actions were wrong.
Lastly, your theft lawyer may try to negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. A plea bargain is an agreement between the accused and the prosecutor in which the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
If you have been charged with theft, it is important that you contact a qualified theft lawyer in Philadelphia, PA as soon as possible. They will review your case and help you decide what the best course of action is. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Will I Be Tried for My Theft Case?
Most theft cases in Philadelphia, PA are tried in the city’s Criminal Court. If you have been arrested and charged with theft, you will most likely need to appear in court for a preliminary hearing. At this hearing, the prosecution will present evidence against you and try to convince the judge that there is enough evidence for your case to go to trial. If the judge believes there is enough evidence, your case will be scheduled for a trial date.
At your trial, the prosecutor will attempt to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the theft. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and if they cannot meet this burden, you will be found not guilty. If you are found guilty, however, you may be sentenced to jail time, probation, or other penalties.
No matter what stage of the criminal process you are in, it is important to have an experienced theft lawyer by your side. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you, the evidence that will be used against you, and your options for defending yourself. If you have been charged with theft, contact Liberty Law Team in Philadelphia, PA today to schedule a consultation.
How Can Theft Crimes Lawyers Benefit Me?
Whether you’ve been accused of shoplifting, embezzlement, or any other type of theft, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to protect your rights. A conviction for theft can result in serious penalties, including jail time and a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life.
At Liberty Law Team, we understand the seriousness of theft charges and we will do everything we can to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. We have extensive experience handling all types of theft cases and we know how to aggressively defend our clients’ rights.
If you have been accused of theft, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer, the better. At Liberty Law Team, we will review your case and help you understand all of your legal options. If you’ve been accused of theft, don’t hesitate to contact our office for a free initial consultation at (215) 732-3474.