Theft Defense Attorney in York, Pennsylvania

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, theft – unlawfully taking or exercising control over someone else’s property, with the intent to deprive the owner of the item – is a serious offense that is often punished severely. Unfortunately, a defendant convicted of a theft crime may be facing far-reaching penalties, including massive fines, imprisonment, a criminal record, and other life-altering consequences. 

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a theft offense, hiring an aggressive Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney is essential to help build your defense. At Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, we have the expertise and resources to defend and represent clients in their theft crime cases. As your lawyer, we can analyze every last detail of your case and craft a solid defense strategy to fight your charges and improve your chances of a better tomorrow. 

Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, proudly represents clients across York, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas of Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Camp Hill.

Theft Charges under Pennsylvania Law 

According to Pennsylvania Law – Pennsylvania Statutes Title 18 Section 3921 – a person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, transfers, or exercises illegal control over another person’s movable or immovable property with an intent to deprive the rightful owner of their property. 

Examples and Types of Theft 

Some of the most common examples and types of theft-related crimes in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are as follows: 

• Theft by unlawful taking (stealing) or disposition 

• Theft by deception 

• Theft by false pretense 

• Retail theft (shoplifting) 

• Embezzlement 

• Motor vehicle theft 

• Receiving stolen property 

• Robbery 

• Firearm theft 

• Burglary 

• Theft by extortion 

• Theft of lost property 

• Drive-off gasoline theft. 

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested or indicted for a theft crime, you should get in touch with a strategic criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your legal representative can carefully assess all of the facts of your case and educate you about the nature and seriousness of your charges. 

Classification of Theft Charges and Possible Penalties 

Depending on the value of the stolen property, theft crimes may be categorized into misdemeanor and felony thefts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Misdemeanor Thefts 

A theft offense is charged as a misdemeanor if it falls under any of these categories: 

Third-Degree Misdemeanor – This involves unlawfully taking or stealing a property valued at $50 or less. 

Second-Degree Misdemeanor – This involves unlawfully taking or stealing a property valued between $50 and $200. 

First-Degree Misdemeanor – This involves unlawfully taking or stealing a property valued between $200 and $2,000. 

Felony Thefts 

A theft offense is charged as a felony if it falls under any of these categories: 

Third-Degree Felony Theft – A theft offense is charged as a third-degree felony if: 

• The item stolen is valued between $2,000 and $100,000. 

• The receiver of stolen items is in the business of selling or purchasing stolen property. 

• The property stolen is an automobile, motorboat, airplane, motorcycle, or another motor-propelled vehicle. 

Second-Degree Felony Theft – A theft offense is charged as a second-degree felony if: 

• The value of the stolen item is between $100,000 and $500,000. 

• The stolen property is anhydrous ammonia or a firearm. 

• The theft crime is committed during a manmade, natural, or war-caused disaster. 

• The receiver of a stolen item received, disposed of, or retained a firearm. 

First-Degree Felony Theft – A theft offense is charged as a first-degree felony if the value of the stolen property is more than $500,000. 

A reliable Pennsylvania theft defense attorney can enlighten you about the seriousness of your charges and the potential penalties and consequences.

Consequences for Theft Charges 

Depending on the value of the property stolen and other surrounding circumstances, a defendant convicted of theft will face any of the following: 

• Substantial fines and court fees 

• Lengthy imprisonment (ranging from months, years, or decades) 

• Community service 

• A criminal record 

• Probation 

• Damage to professional and personal relationships

• Loss of scholarships or University acceptance

• Loss of firearm carry or firearm ownership rights

• Increased difficulty in getting new employment, accommodation, or educational opportunities

• Loss of the right to vote during elections

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans

• Increased difficulty in getting government benefits

• Increased difficulty in traveling overseas

A practiced defense counsel can review every aspect of your case and outline an effective defense strategy to help you avoid or mitigate any of the far-reaching consequences of a theft conviction. 

Possible Defenses 

When facing theft accusations, your lawyer can help fight your false charges with any of these legal defenses: 

• Falsely accused of theft

• Intoxication 

• Entrapment 

• You acted with the rightful owner’s permission or consent

• You took the item under a good faith belief of having the right to take it

• Borrowed the property and intend to return it

• You had no intent to steal the property

• Truth or ambiguity of the statement 

A highly-skilled theft defense lawyer can identify your best legal defenses to fight your charges in pursuit of the most favorable outcome for your circumstances. 

Rely on a Strategic Criminal Defense Attorney 

A theft accusation or conviction could jeopardize your career, personal reputation, liberty, quality of life, and future. Regardless, it is never advisable to navigate the judiciary system without experienced guidance. That being said, when facing theft charges, you need to hire a strategic criminal defense lawyer for clear legal direction and to help protect your rights. 

At Korey Leslie, Attorney-At-Law, LLC, our legal team protects individuals wrongfully charged with theft from the worst possible punishments. Using our broad knowledge, we can direct you through the Pennsylvania criminal justice system and represent you intelligently at every step of the legal proceedings. Our trusted attorney will fight aggressively for your freedom and to help keep your record as clean as possible.