Pennsylvania Theft Defense Lawyer
Theft charges are serious. A conviction of theft in Pennsylvania can result in long prison sentences, incredibly harsh financial penalties, and looking even further into the future, long-lasting difficulties in obtaining employment or even housing due to having an incidence of theft on your criminal record. Furthermore, while the emotional effects may not be numerically quantifiable in the same terms as incarceration or restitution, individuals who are convicted of theft often find that they have to contend with new difficulties in their personal relationships when it comes to obtaining trust from friends, neighbors, and others.
If you or someone you know has been accused of committing theft, it is simply not in your best interests to argue your own case against a trained, knowledgeable prosecuting attorney. However, you can level the playing field and give yourself the best possible chance at in-trial success by retaining the assistance of a seasoned theft attorney to defend your case.
Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates: Theft Attorneys
At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we bring more than three decades of criminal law experience as theft lawyers to the table. With over 10,000 criminal cases’ worth of experience, we are committed to providing all of our clients with only the highest degree of dedication and research in order to aggressively and effectively represent each and every case.
Regardless of the nature of the charges against you, our team of veteran theft attorneys is well-versed in the ins and outs of the criminal justice system — from both sides of the courtroom. The team of theft attorneys Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates includes two former prosecutors, as well as a former senior deputy district attorney. Because we have experience acting as former prosecuting attorneys ourselves, we are endowed with a thorough and intimate understanding of the strategies that prosecutors employ in the courtroom. Because we can anticipate prosecutorial tactics, we are all the better equipped to provide effect counter-arguments.
At Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates, we can:
- Provide you with the most aggressive and results-oriented theft defense possible.
- Help you alleviate or even abolish any theft penalties.
- Deal with court fines and other issues stemming from your arrest.
If you are facing criminal charges, you have enough stress on your mind. Let our attorneys help lift your burden with our expertise, knowledge, and compassion.
Types of Theft Charges We Handle
In Pennsylvania, theft is a broad charge with encompasses a variety of theft-related offenses. Our theft attorneys handle the full spectrum of theft-related charges, including:
- Identity Theft
- Misdemeanor and Felony Theft
- Shoplifting
- Embezzlement
- Burglary
Theft Classification and Penalties
New Jersey and Pennsylvania handle crime classification with different language, though the idea of classification based on severity is the same. In New Jersey, theft offenses are divided into disorderly person (DP) (or “petty”) crimes, and indictable crimes. These terms are analogous to the more commonly-known felony and misdemeanor classifications, which Pennsylvania applies. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a theft can be classified as either DP/petty/misdemeanor, or indictable/felony.
It’s important to note that not only is committing theft considered a theft crime, but also receiving stolen goods. Theft can apply to property or services (e.g. stealing cable), in New Jersey and Pennsylvania alike. 
In Pennsylvania, crimes of theft are either misdemeanor offenses or felony offenses. Again, the predominant factor in classification is the value of the property stolen, but additional factors can come into play.
- Value: $50-$199
- Classification: 2nd Degree Misdemeanor
- Maximum Sentence: 2 years
- Maximum Fine: $5,000
- Value: $200-$2,000
- Classification: 1st Degree Misdemeanor
- Maximum Sentence: 5 years
- Maximum Fine: $10,000
- Value: $2,001 and higher
- Classification: 3rd Degree Felony
- Maximum Sentence: 7 years
- Maximum Fine: $15,000
Theft as a 2nd Degree or 1st Degree Felony is determined not by financial value, but by outside factors. For example, theft becomes a 2nd Degree Felony when:
- The theft is committed during a disaster (war, or a natural disaster).
- The property is a gun.
For a 2nd Degree Felony:
- Maximum Sentence: 10 years
- Maximum Fine: $25,000
Theft becomes a 1st Degree Felony when:
- An individual receives a stolen gun, and is in the business of buying and selling stolen property (e.g. a black market arms dealer).
For a 1st Degree Felony:
- Maximum Sentence: 20 years
- Maximum Fine: $25,000
If you are facing theft charges in Pennsylvania, you need to contact an experienced theft attorney immediately. Contact our law offices online to arrange for a free and confidential attorney consultation today. You can also call us at (215) 701-6519 in Pennsylvania.