Theft Attorney in Murrysville, Pennsylvania

If you've been charged with theft in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, or a nearby area, securing experienced legal representation is crucial to protecting your rights and future.

At The Law Offices of James Crosby, we’re committed to providing personalized legal strategies to challenge theft charges and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

With extensive criminal defense experience, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process, whether you're facing misdemeanor or felony theft charges. Don't let a theft charge jeopardize your future; contact us today for a confidential consultation with our Murrysville theft attorney and take the first step toward defending your rights.

Penalties for Theft

Theft offenses in Pennsylvania can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. The penalties for theft in Pennsylvania depend on several factors, including the value of the stolen property, the circumstances surrounding the theft, and whether the defendant has a prior criminal history.

Below is a basic overview of the penalties an individual may face for theft based on the degree of the offense:

• Summary offense:

  • Property value: Less than $50

  • Penalties: If the value of the stolen property is less than $50, the crime is typically classified as a summary offense, which is the least serious classification. A conviction could result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300.

• Misdemeanor of the second degree:

  • Property value: $50 to $200

  • Penalties: A theft offense involving property valued between $50 and $200 is considered a second-degree misdemeanor. The penalties can include up to two years of imprisonment and fines up to $5,000.

• Misdemeanor of the first degree:

  • Property value: $200 to $2,000

  • Penalties: Theft involving property valued between $200 and $2,000 is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. This could lead to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

• Felony of the third degree:

  • Property value: $2,000 or more

  • Penalties: A theft involving property worth $2,000 or more is considered a third-degree felony. The defendant could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

• Felony of the second degree:

  • Specific circumstances: Some thefts, regardless of the property value, may be classified as a felony of the second degree if the theft involves specific circumstances, such as stealing a firearm, or committing theft by extortion.

  • Penalties: A second-degree felony can result in up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000.

• Felony of the first degree:

  • Specific circumstances: Theft that involves the use of force or violence (such as armed robbery) or that involves stealing certain types of property (e.g., controlled substances, personal property of a victim of a violent crime) may be classified as a first-degree felony.

  • Penalties: A first-degree felony is the most serious category of theft and can result in up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Regardless of the offense you’ve been charged with, it’s critical to work with an experienced Murrysville criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of James Crosby is here to provide the support you need and help you determine the ideal course of action.

Potential Defenses to Theft Charges in Pennsylvania

When you’re facing theft charges in Pennsylvania, a Murrysville criminal defense attorney from our firm will work to develop the best possible defense strategy based on the facts and circumstances of your case. Common defenses to theft charges may include the following:

Lack of Intent

If the prosecution can’t prove that you had the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property, the charges may be reduced or dismissed. For example, if the theft was unintentional, such as mistakenly taking someone else’s property or failing to return an item due to forgetfulness, this could be a valid defense.

Claim of Right

If you genuinely believed that you had the legal right to take the property, this could serve as a defense. For example, if you were under the impression that the property was rightfully yours or that you had permission to take it, you may be able to argue that you lacked criminal intent.

Lack of Evidence

The prosecution must prove the elements of theft beyond a reasonable doubt. If there’s insufficient evidence to prove that you took the property or intended to permanently deprive the owner of it, your Murrysville criminal defense attorney may challenge the evidence presented in court.

False Accusation

In some cases, theft charges may be based on false accusations or misunderstandings. If you’re being falsely accused of theft, a strong defense could involve proving your innocence, demonstrating that the accusations are untrue, or providing evidence to show that you weren’t present at the scene of the crime.

Entrapment

If law enforcement officers induced or coerced you into committing a theft that you otherwise wouldn’t have committed, you may be able to claim entrapment as a defense. However, this defense is often difficult to prove.

Insufficient Evidence of Ownership

Another defense involves challenging whether the property truly belonged to someone else. If the prosecution can’t prove ownership or show that the property was stolen, they may not be able to prove the theft element of the crime.

To determine the optimal defense for your specific circumstances, it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney. You can depend on The Law Offices of James Crosby to thoroughly evaluate your situation and narrow down the best course of action for your needs.

What to Do if You’re Charged With Theft

If you’ve been charged with theft, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and prepare your defense:

Contact a Murrysville Criminal Defense Attorney

One of the most important steps is to consult The Law Offices of James Crosby. Our firm will analyze your case, identify potential defenses, and help guide you through the legal process.

Don’t Make Statements to Police Without Legal Representation

Avoid speaking with law enforcement without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Your attorney will make sure that your rights are protected during questioning.

Gather Evidence

Work with your attorney to gather any evidence that supports your defense. This may include alibi witnesses, surveillance footage, or receipts showing you didn’t commit the theft.

Consider Plea Negotiations

Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to reduce the charges or penalties. This may involve agreeing to a lesser charge or seeking a more lenient sentence in exchange for a guilty plea.

Prepare for Trial

If your case goes to trial, your attorney will help prepare a defense strategy to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights. This may involve presenting evidence, calling witnesses, and cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses.