Montgomery County Theft Crimes Lawyer

Pennsylvania property crimes, including theft, robbery, burglary, and fraud, are among the most common criminal charges filed in the state. Theft, in particular, is a frequently filed felony offense that may lead to severe repercussions. If you are facing a felony charge, consult an experienced Montgomery County theft defense attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a trusted theft defense lawyer may be able to reduce the charges or even secure a dismissal of the case.

Conviction of a theft crime can mean jail time and a permanent criminal record. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C., our Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys take theft charges as seriously as you do. Our theft crime attorneys utilize a team approach that includes the expertise of four former prosecutors.

Our commitment to quality and personal service has enabled our firm to prosper for over 65 years. During that time, we have established an excellent network of professionals to assist us. When the situation calls for a specialist, we call upon our investigators, forensic scientists, and other experts to assist in your defense. Consider us for legal assistance.

How Is Theft Defined in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania criminal law defines theft as:

“The unlawful seizure or deprivation of movable property; or transfer or exercise of control of immovable property with intent to benefit one’s self.”

In other words, a person is guilty of theft in Pennsylvania if they take or exercise unlawful control over someone else’s movable property with the intention of depriving that person of that property. Pennsylvania has many specific laws prohibiting and punishing theft. Some cover the specific types of property stolen (firearms, automobiles), others the location of the theft (retail stores, museums, libraries), and others the means used to steal the property (taking, deception, extortion).

Depending on several factors, such as the value and nature of the stolen property, theft may be classified as a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony. As such, theft carries an extremely wide range of penalties that range from a maximum of 90 days for a summary offense to a maximum of 20 years for a first-degree felony.

Types of Theft Crimes Our Lawyers Defend in Pennsylvania

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C., our theft crime lawyers provide defense for people facing all state and federal theft charges, including the following:

Robbery

A very serious crime under Pennsylvania law, a robbery occurs when the individual uses or threatens to use force against another person in the course of committing a theft. Under Pennsylvania law, all robberies constitute felony offenses of varying degrees.

Burglary

Pennsylvania law defines burglary as entering any portion of a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime. This does not apply if the premises are open to the public at the time. Burglary charges are generally more severe than simple theft as they also involve breaking into someone else’s property.

Shoplifting

Though it may initially appear to be a minor crime, shoplifting can have long-term effects on a person’s future. A person is guilty of shoplifting in Pennsylvania if they commit any of the following offenses:

• Take any merchandise from a store
• Alter or remove a label or price tag
• Change the packaging from which the retail item is sold
• Destroy a control tag or security strip

A shoplifting defense lawyer can help you unpack the details of your retail theft case.

Credit Card Fraud

In Pennsylvania, committing any type of fraudulent activity in connection with the use of a credit card is against the law. A person can be convicted of credit card fraud in Pennsylvania if they use a credit card with the knowledge that the card:

• Is counterfeit
• Has not been authorized
• Has been revoked or canceled

Using or falsifying another person’s credit card is a serious crime that can benefit from skilled representation.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a specific kind of theft that occurs when a person steals or misappropriates money or property from an employer or business partner. Cases involving an embezzlement charge can be extremely complex to defend if your attorney is not experienced with these types of cases. If you have been accused of embezzlement, partner with an experienced white-collar crime attorney as soon as possible.

Auto Theft

Under Pennsylvania’s theft statute, a person commits a crime by taking or exercising control over property that belongs to someone else without their permission and with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. For example, in the case of auto theft, a person who takes someone else’s car from a parking lot and then abandons it has committed auto theft. Accusations of auto theft can lead to severe consequences, including jail time and hefty fines.

Identity Theft

Pennsylvania state law defines identity theft as the possession or use of another person’s identifying information for an unlawful purpose without their consent. This white-collar crime is considered a serious offense in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and thus carries severe consequences. If you have been accused of using another person’s identity for personal gain, contact our law firm to obtain a strong defense of your case.

Internet Theft

“Internet theft” is a broad legal term that refers to the use of internet services to defraud victims or to otherwise take advantage of them. There are several effective defenses that can be used when you are accused of internet theft, and our criminal defense attorneys are familiar with every one of them.

How Can a Pennsylvania Theft Attorney Help Defend Your Case?

The Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers with Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford are committed to fighting for your rights and protecting your interests throughout the legal process. Our highly trusted legal team understands the rules and regulations regarding theft in Pennsylvania and will be with you every step of the way.

Our team of skilled theft lawyers can help defend your case by:

• Interviewing witnesses
• Helping to formulate a favorable plea
• Investigating the prosecutor’s case against you
• Evaluating potential sentences for your charges
• Gathering evidence

The Lansdale theft defense attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. have successfully won trials and negotiated plea bargains for clients accused of theft crimes throughout Montgomery County and across Pennsylvania.

Possible Penalties for a Theft Conviction in Pennsylvania

Depending on the type of theft charge you are facing and the details surrounding your case, you could end up with a misdemeanor or felony conviction on your permanent criminal record. Possible penalties for a theft conviction vary depending on the circumstances surrounding your case and the value of the property stolen. Sentences in Pennsylvania for theft are as follows:

• For stolen property valued at over $500,000, the theft will be charged as a first-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail and a fine of $25,000.
• For stolen property valued between $100,000 and $500,000, the theft will be charged as a second-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and a fine of $25,000.
• For stolen property valued between $2,000 and $100,000, the theft will be charged as a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 7 years in jail and a fine of $15,000.
• For stolen property valued between $200 and $2,000, the theft will be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of five years incarceration and a fine of $10,000.
• For stolen property valued between $50 and $200, the theft will be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of two years incarceration and a fine of $5,000.
• For stolen property valued under $50, the theft will be charged as a third-degree misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year incarceration and a fine of $2,500.

Even though any type of criminal offense on a person’s record can hinder their ability to find stable employment, many employers are incredibly hesitant to hire people with convictions for theft in particular. This is primarily because having a conviction for a theft crime on your criminal record could make you seem dishonest from an employer’s point of view.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Montgomery County Theft Attorney Today

For more than 65 years, the attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. have been serving the legal needs of clients in Montgomery and Bucks Counties and the surrounding areas. We have earned the trust and respect of clients facing a multitude of legal problems, including various types of theft.

Our criminal defense attorneys in Montgomery County are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of Pennsylvanians accused of all crimes, including theft. If you or someone you care about has been arrested or charged with a theft crime, do not wait to speak with an expert criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney will be able to explain to you the full extent of the law and the possible defense strategies that may be effective for your unique case.

Call our theft crime lawyers in Montgomery County, PA today at (215) 822-7575

or complete our contact form today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Montgomery County theft defense attorneys.