Theft Defense in York PA
In Pennsylvania, theft charges can range from misdemeanor shoplifting to felony offenses. A conviction of any of these charges can have long-lasting consequences, ranging from heavy fines and a mark on your permanent record, to possible jail time.
At MPL Law, we have more than 30 years of experience representing clients in all forms of criminal cases. When you need a theft defense attorney in York, PA, we’ll leverage our experience to find a creative, compassionate solution for your problem.
We understand and sympathize with the fact that many of the people we represent rely on us during a dark time. We believe everyone deserves a second chance, and we’ll work to ensure you get the opportunity to put the incident behind you quickly.
We can help you understand PA’s theft laws.
If you have been charged with theft in Pennsylvania, our lawyers will take the time to help you get a clearer picture of what’s at stake. Criminal law is often confusing, and without representation, individuals who are accused of theft can potentially make choices that aren’t in their best interests. Here is a quick guide to the classes of theft in PA:
- Misdemeanor theft — PA law differentiates between three classes of misdemeanor theft according to the value of the goods stolen. Third degree misdemeanor charges involve any goods worth less than $50. Second degree charges involve items worth between $50 and $200, and first degree misdemeanor charges are levied when the value of the stolen items totals more than $200. Even if the stolen items aren’t worth a lot, a misdemeanor theft conviction can have serious consequences — the maximum penalty for a first degree charge can be up to five years in jail and $10,000 in fines.
- Felony theft — As with misdemeanor charges, state law differentiates between three classes of felony theft in PA. Third degree charges involve the theft of anything worth more than $2,000, or of a motorized vehicle of any value. Second degree theft covers incidents occurring during a natural disaster or other emergency, theft of a firearm, or the theft of any amount of anhydrous ammonia (an ingredient used in processing meth). Finally, first degree felony theft charges can be filed in cases where a firearm is stolen and sold to someone in the business of buying/selling stolen goods. Penalties for felony theft charges are naturally more severe than those for misdemeanors. First degree felonies can involve up to 20 years in jail and $25,000 in fines.
We’ll help you understand your options.
At MPL Law, our theft lawyers will assess your case and help you determine the best way to move forward. If you have been wrongfully accused, we’ll mount a strong argument in your favor that may be able to get your charges dismissed outright. In other cases, it may be possible to seek probation before judgment, in which you avoid a trial and a mark on your permanent record. However, this can only occur if you successfully complete a period of probation, community service or other terms stipulated by the judge.
Whatever the path forward entails, the theft attorneys at York, PA’s MPL Law will be there for you every step of the way. Contact our office for a consultation.