Theft & Receiving Stolen Property Criminal Defense Lawyer (PA)

pennsylvania theft laws

There are several different types of theft or theft-related charges that are commonly charged in Pennsylvania. The most common theft charges are:

  • Theft of movable property
  • Receiving stolen property
  • Identity theft
  • Retail Theft “shoplifting”
  • Car theft
  • Forgery
  • ATM and Credit Card Theft which is known as Access Device Fraud
  • Employee Theft “Embezzlement”

Theft charges carry a unique negative stigma because they are crimes involving dishonesty. A theft conviction can seriously impact your current employment and the ability to find gainful employment in the future. Whenever possible, I look for a reason for the state to drop the charges. Failing that, I tenaciously fight to either beat or at least minimize the charges. Under Pennsylvania law, any type of theft offense is a serious crime. Each offense results in increasingly severe penalties. At the Law Offices of V. Erik Petersen, I have defended many people who have been accused of theft. If you face theft charges, you need a tenacious, knowledgeable retail theft lawyer in PA to defend you. Contact the Law Offices of V. Erik Petersen for a free consultation.

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Retail Theft Attorney PA

Retail Theft charges are unlike other types of theft charges. First and second offenses can be treated as summary offenses, which usually means the only punishment or consequence is paying a fine of up to $300.00. However, a third offense is a felony and now jail time is a real possibility. If you are facing Retail Theft charges, contact me immediately. I am conveniently located in Harleysville, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and the initial consultation is always free.

ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition)

If you are charged with Theft of Movable Property, Receiving Stolen Property, Retail Theft, Identity Theft, Access Device Fraud, Forgery or any other theft offense that is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony if the amount of the theft is under $5,000.00 you are most likely eligible for ARD. See my ARD page for details. Most importantly, ARD will allow you to earn a dismissal of the charges which then gives you the right to have your record expunged. This means you will be able to maintain a clean record as if the offense never happened.