Theft Charges In PA
When you or a loved one is facing theft charges in Pennsylvania, you are in immediate need of an experienced local criminal attorney who is highly qualified in defending theft charges. Pennsylvania takes all forms of theft very seriously, and many local prosecutors will pursue these crimes with the fullest range of charges possible. People think that because the amount of the theft is small, and/or because it is a “first offense, ” they are in relatively minor trouble and can handle all consequences by themselves.
This is a mistake, and too often turns out to be a huge one. Your future employment and career options are at risk if you are convicted, even once, for a theft offense. It is also possible that your capabilities to secure housing, credit and insurance will be affected if a civil complaint is filed and a judgement against you is awarded to the plaintiff in your case.
Robbery & Burglary Offenses In Pennsylvania
Theft and robbery can be both a criminal and civil proceeding in Pennsylvania. The prosecution will charge you with theft crime(s) under PA Title 18 Chapter 39 , and the plaintiff can sue you for damages in a civil action. This is where pleading strategies and alternate sentencing programs can become very important to those accused of these crimes.
Robbery is defined under PA law as the forceful taking of personal property from another. However, the force used can be as slight as grabbing or even making threats. Robbery is classified as a felony in Pennsylvania, and the penalties if convicted on robbery charges will depend on the type of robbery (armed robbery v. unarmed robbery), the criminal history of the accused, and the specific circumstances of the offense.
One circumstance that heightens the offense is when bodily injury occurs during the commission of a robbery. This is a felony in the 2nd degree, or F2, and if convicted, the defendant will face up to 10 years in prison. If serious bodily injury occurs, you will be charged with a felony in the 1st degree, or F1, and will face up to 20 years in prison. If you choose to take a plea deal, you should absolutely consult with a criminal defense attorney who will review all the details of your case and advise you on whether the plea being offered is fair and if other possibilities exist, such as if a plea of “no contest” would better protect your interests over a straight plea of guilty.
Pleading no contest (nolo contendere) is still a form of admission, but technically, you do not admit to being guilty of the crime itself. In specific situations, pleading no contest might be helpful in holding off a separate civil complaint from being filed against you, or from being successfully tried for the plaintiff if filed.
A crime is an act of burglary when an illegal and forced entry occurs during theft from a building. If no one else is in the building at the time, the charge should be felony in the second degree, or F2. If the building was occupied at the time of the alleged theft or if the building is a residence, the defendant will be charged with a burglary felony in the first degree, or F1.
All robbery and burglary offenses are charged as felonies and carry penalties of jail time if convicted. If you or someone you care about is facing a robbery or burglary charge, you should immediately consult with a well - qualified defense attorney. There are several legal strategies that can lead to a favorable outcome. If you have a clean record and are charged with a first burglary or attempted burglary, your attorney may advocate for entrance into a deferred sentencing arrangement.
You have options. We have answers. If you or a loved one is facing theft charges in PA, call our criminal defense attorneys now for a free initial consultation.
Tibbott & Richardson
1040 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 444 - 7171
https://www.TibbottRichardson.com/