In Cranberry Township and throughout Pennsylvania, theft is not an uncommon charge for a person to be faced with. Depending on the value of the item taken, the charge may be either a felony or a misdemeanor and can carry consequences, including incarceration and fines.
If you have been accused of theft, obtaining the guidance and assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney who could help you understand your legal options is vital. Our Cranberry Township theft lawyers could provide services to assist you as you navigate the criminal justice system. Call Benjamin Levine Law today.
Theft in Cranberry Township involves taking something from another party to deprive the owner of its use permanently. The severity of the consequences of the conviction is based on the value of what was taken. When the item is valued at $50 or less, the crime is typically charged as a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
If the item allegedly taken is valued between $50 and $200, it can be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor, with double the maximum fines and incarceration. If the item’s value ranges between $200 and $2,000, a first-degree misdemeanor can be charged, with penalties of up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
The consequences continue to increase with higher-valued goods or services. When an item worth at least $2,000 is allegedly stolen, a felony charge can be brought. This can potentially result in many years behind bars, thousands of dollars in financial penalties, and a permanent felony record that can impact a person’s ability to obtain education, housing, and employment.
Beyond the value of the items allegedly stolen, the severity of the consequences of a theft charge is also influenced by factors such as whether the defendant is accused of using a firearm when committing the crime, whether a juvenile was involved, and whether the accused has prior convictions.
Being accused of a serious crime like theft can be challenging. A criminal defense lawyer in Cranberry Township could provide a consultation during which prospective clients can discuss their theft case, get answers to their legal questions, and learn more about the services an attorney could provide.
Those services may include a thorough investigation of the case to determine the evidence that prosecutors have and to develop a defense strategy based on meeting the defendant’s desired outcome for the case.
Another service that a lawyer may deliver is the protection of rights through the investigation and court process. Depending on the facts of your case and your desired outcome, a legal professional may also negotiate a plea deal on your behalf or present your case to a judge or jury.
Each case involving accusations of theft is unique, as are the needs of the individuals left to defend themselves against these charges. Let our seasoned legal team help you understand the next steps to take to defend yourself.
Our hardworking lawyers are former prosecutors and, therefore, uniquely and well-equipped to defend criminal cases. Contact us for your complimentary consultation today.