Theft Offenses

Greater Philadephia, PA Shoplifting Lawyer
Greater Philadelphia Theft and Shoplifting Attorney

Theft charges can be serious depending on the value of the property stolen and/or the criminal record of the defendant. In most cases, first offenses such as shoplifting are punishable by a small fine and 1 year of informal probation. In some cases, a first offense of shoplifting can be reduced to an infraction thus eliminating any criminal record. A second theft/shoplifting offense is a much more serious matter because of the consequences. A second offense can be charged as Felony Petty Theft (also called petty theft with a prior) and is punishable by a year in county jail or even 16 months in state prison.

What is Theft?

Theft is the unlawful taking of someone elses property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently. Theft may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony having serious consequences, including jail, prison, fines and restitution to the victim.
Examples of Theft Crimes

  • Auto Theft
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Fraud
  • Identity Theft
  • Shoplifting
  • Robbery
  • Receiving Stolen Property

Consequences of Theft Charges

The consequences of any theft charge include fines, restitution, counseling, probation, county jail and in some cases state prison. The consequences will depend on the value of the property taken as well as the prior record of the accused.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is stealing something from a store. You shoplift if you intend to take something that doesn belong to you from a store without paying for it, and you do so, or try to. Shoplifting can be serious depending on the value of the property stolen and/or the criminal record of the defendant. In most cases, first offenses such as shoplifting are punishable by a small fine and 1 year of informal probation. In some cases, a first offense of shoplifting can be reduced to an infraction thus eliminating any criminal record. In Greater Philadelphia, a third shoplifting offense is a much more serious matter because of the consequences. A third offense can be charged as Felony Theft and is punishable by a year in county jail or even more than a year in state prison.

Some Facts About Shoplifting

  • Shoplifting is Americas #1 property crime
  • 1 in 11 people shoplift
  • 25% of these shoplifters are children
  • Shoplifters steal over $20 billion worth of goods from retailers each year
  • Shoplifters are vigorously prosecuted in Philadelphia county

Greater Philadelphia Burglary Lawyer

Burglary is a criminal offense that involves entering a building unlawfully with intent to commit a felony or to steal valuable property. In other words, if a person illegally breaks into someone elses property with a plan or intention of stealing something from that property, you can be arrested for burglary. The seriousness of the crime can depend on a variety of factors, such as when and where the crime occurred, whether or not people were present when the crime was committed, and the use (or non-use) of a weapon.

Attorney Joe Mitchell has handled many burglary cases. We understand the "ins and outs" of the criminal legal system and will aggressively represent you in your burglary case to get you a favorable outcome.

Protect Your Constitutional Rights

  • Always remember that you have constitutional rights that need to be protected. If you have been arrested for theft, burglary, shoplifting, or another theft-related crime, please keep these seven points in mind:
    You have the undeniable right to have your attorney present with you at every stage of the proceedings.
  • You have the undeniable right to a public trial by an impartial jury.
  • You have the undeniable right to remain silent before and during trial. No one can force you to testify against yourself.
  • You have the undeniable right at trial to hear and question all witnesses who testify against you.
  • You have the undeniable right at trial to have witnesses testify on your behalf.
  • You have the undeniable right to appeal a determination of guilt after a trial has concluded.
  • You are presumed innocent until a criminal charge is proven "beyond a reasonable doubt" or you enter a plea of guilty.

Accused of a Theft Crime?

If you are charged with a theft crime you must speak to an experienced attorney so that he can properly evaluate your case. The attorney will discuss your rights and possible defenses. Developing a defense strategy early on in the case is an important step prior to discussing settlement or going to trial.

Attorney Joe Mitchell has successfully represented many people charged with theft crimes. He has been able to achieve some excellent results for his clients in cases that at first did not appear defensible. IF YOU ARE BEING CHARGED WITH A THEFT CHARGE CONTACT MY OFFICE TODAY.

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