Theft is a common crime in Philadelphia and one that can take on many different forms. Theft convictions, depending on the severity of the case, can carry penalties of high fines and imprisonment in Pennsylvania, so hiring an attorney who can best represent you may be critical to evade such punishments.
If you have been charged with a theft crime, a Philadelphia theft lawyer can help you build a strong defense for your case. A distinguished criminal attorney can find relevant evidence that can benefit the outcome of your case.
Theft laws in Pennsylvania state that a guilty conviction for theft requires that a person intentionally obtains or withholds property of another by deception. Deception occurs when a person creates or reinforces a false impression, prevents another person from obtaining information required to make judgments about the transaction, or fails to correct a false impression that the deceiver previously created.
Pennsylvania law denotes several different types of theft, including theft by deception, theft of services, retail theft, and more. Each comes with its own penalties, usually in fines and/or jail time, depending on the level of severity. Pennsylvania denotes a monetary amount for different types of offenses, which are usually either misdemeanors or felonies.
If the property was stolen was equivalent to $50 or less, this constitutes a summary offense and is not considered a criminal conviction. However, summary offenses still should be taken seriously. A conviction for a summary offense still goes on a person’s permanent record and can carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of between $25 and $1,500.
There are various types of theft charges in Philadelphia, and each case must be treated depending on its own unique circumstances. Theft lawyers in Philadelphia who have had significant experience defending theft cases are crucial to ensuring the best outcome possible in each person’s individual case.
There are a few different common defenses that Philadelphia theft lawyers use to assist individuals charged, including, but not limited to:
Experienced theft defense lawyers know how to argue against evidence, ensure fair court proceedings are held and protect their potential client’s rights throughout the course of the case. Hiring a Philadelphia theft lawyer ensures that a person’s best interests are represented and the outcome of the case is the favorable. Penalties can be egregious and it is important to combat the charged as quickly as possible and as effectively as possible in order to obtain a positive outcome.
If you have been charged with a theft crime in Philadelphia, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Philadelphia theft lawyer as soon as possible. Theft attorneys have experience with all different kinds of cases, from small shoplifting incidents to larger felony thefts, and they understand that each case must be treated individually according to its unique circumstances.
