FACING A CRIMINAL CHARGE?

In Pennsylvania, the term theft is used to describe any act that involves stealing or taking another person's property through deception or with the intent to deprive the victim of their property. 18 Pa.C.S. Section 3921 criminalizes the theft of another person's property. Under Pennsylvania law, a person is guilty of theft if they intentionally obtain or withhold another person's property by deception.

Furthermore, deception occurs when a person intentionally:

• Creates or reinforces a false impression
• Prevents another person from obtaining information that would influence their judgment of a transaction
• Fails to correct a false impression previously created or reinforced by the deceiver

Pennsylvania recognizes several types of theft of another person's property including:

• Theft By Unlawful Taking: A person is guilty of theft if they unlawfully take, or exercise control over, movable property of another with the intent to deprive them thereof
• Theft By Receiving Stolen Property: A person is guilty of receiving stolen property if they receive, retain, or dispose of someone else's movable property knowing or believing that it has previously been stolen
• Theft by Deception: This occurs when a defendant intentionally withholds another person's property through the act of deception.
• Theft by Extortion: This occurs when a defendant obtains or withholds another person's property by threatening to harm the victim or through another criminal offense
• Theft of Services: This crime is committed when a defendant intentionally obtains services which they know are available only for compensation, by deception, threat, or by altering or tampering with a public utility meter or similar device
• Theft of Lost Property: This occurs when a defendant fails to try to return lost property to its rightful or legal owner.

In Pennsylvania, the punishment for theft charges usually depends on the value of the property taken and the surrounding circumstances. If convicted, possible penalties include:

If you're facing larceny accusations, your attorney may attempt to fight your charges using any one of the following defenses:

• The owner consented
• Lack of intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property
• Mistake
• The property was not, in fact, stolen
• Planned on searching for the rightful owner and returning the property back to them
• The rightful owner might have lost the property
• Duress
• Entrapment
• Age
• Actor possesses a stolen item but with the intent to return it to its rightful owner (RSP cases)

Defending your Pennsylvania theft or larceny charges by yourself could increase your risk of suffering the maximum punishment. Therefore, when facing theft charges, having an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney on your side is paramount to determine an effective defense strategy that fits your particular circumstance.

Attorney John Della Rocca has dedicated his career to providing experienced legal services and comprehensive representation in a wide range of theft cases. As a knowledgeable Pennsylvania theft defense attorney, I will investigate every detail of your case, fight vigorously to protect your rights, determine your best defense strategy, and fight the charges against you in pursuit of a favorable outcome. As your attorney, I will attempt to establish your innocence and keep your record clean.