Philadelphia Theft Penalties

Theft charges are taken very seriously by prosecutors in Philadelphia as they are trying to combat the crime rate. Someone convicted of a theft offense is looking at expensive fines and possible imprisonment. If you are looking at Philadelphia theft penalties, contact a seasoned attorney today to get started on your case. A dedicated lawyer can fight by your side to ensure you get the defense you need.

Possible Consequences of Theft Charges

Theft charges range depending upon the specific amount that is alleged to have been taken. In the most serious theft charges, if felony of the third degree is graded along with the charge, they can face as much as three and one-half to seven years in incarceration and a $15,000 fine. Theft charges can be reduced to misdemeanor charges if merits point in that direction with the use of an attorney. The most common misdemeanor charge for a theft is a misdemeanor of the second or third degree. In either case, an individual can face incarceration but significantly fewer periods of incarceration and supervision is required upon conviction. This is why it is crucial for the defendant to obtain legal counsel when they are facing Philadelphia theft penalties.

Misdemeanor Offenses

In Philadelphia, theft can be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, and if that happens, an individual is likely to have the opportunity to resolve the matter in a way that protects their record. Should this be a first offense for the individual, a diversionary program is accessible with the right use of mitigation and with the right attorney by their side. When charged with a misdemeanor of the second and/or third degree, a maximum sentence is two and one-half to five years. Reducing a theft felony charge to a misdemeanor opens the opportunity of further negotiations which can prevent a conviction on their record. Resolutions can be made under almost any circumstances and these resolutions can lead to restitution with the dismissal of charges, with diversionary programs and on the higher end, periods of probation in order to pay back restitution for theft conviction charges.

Felony Charges

The consequences for a felony theft conviction often leads an individual to face long periods of incarceration from three and one-half to seven years, as well as long periods of supervision such as probation and/or parole, and thousands of dollars in fines and costs. Individuals charged with felony threes have two strikes against them. It is is a felony and carries severe consequences. Also, having a theft felony can prevent an individual from obtaining certain jobs, protecting their character or ever testifying in any court of law without the theft being admitted against them. Consequences include incarceration, long periods of probation and supervision in a theft felony conviction. In order to avoid Philadelphia theft penalties, it is important to obtain the services of an experienced defense lawyer.

Harshest Penalties for Theft

Some of the harshest penalties for theft convictions involve crimes committed against the elderly. When individuals are being taken advantage of, the courts often give the longest jail sentence allowed by law when dealing with theft charges. Commonly, when an individual is charged with theft, they are also charged with the accompanying charges that follow it, such as receiving stolen property. Specific thefts such as retail thefts are also common, as well as charges involving criminal mischief and anything else that can be charged in conjunction with theft. Therefore, when charged with the most serious Philadelphia theft penalties, a person should know that without the right help in mitigation, the person is dealing with an offense that can result in a long period of incarceration and long periods of probation, parole, and restitution.