It can be quite unnerving to be stopped on your way out of a store by a loss prevention agent who ushers you off to a backroom. The experience can be stressful and embarrassing, but it can go from bad to worse if you find yourself facing criminal theft charges. Thefts that are considered to be more minor or less serious are considered to be “petty” under Pennsylvania law. The term “petty” refers only to the value of the property stolen; there is nothing petty about the potential sentence. This criminal offense involves a theft with a value of less than five hundred dollars. A conviction of petty theft is a misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law.
Punishment for these crimes usually includes one or more of the following:
- Jail Time
- Fines
- Community Service
- Restitution
The penalties under Pennsylvania law for petty theft include the following:
- If the value is under $50, it is a misdemeanor 3 charge with a maximum sentence of up to 1 year in prison.
- If the value is $50-200, it is a misdemeanor 2 charge with a maximum sentence of 3 years in prison.
- If the value is over $200, it is a misdemeanor 1 charge with a maximum of sentence of 5 years in prison.
The punishment gets more severe the greater the value of the goods that are stolen. The punishment can also be more severe if you have a previous criminal conviction. The range of punishment that a judge can assess depends on your specific situation, the circumstances of your offense, and your prior criminal history. A person convicted of petty theft not only faces these punishments but many other long-term consequences including lost employment opportunities, prohibitions on professional licenses, denied access to rental properties and damage to one’s reputation.
An experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney will carefully investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest to develop the best possible defense strategy. You may not have had the specific intent to steal the item. You may have been carrying the item and simply forgot that you had it before walking out of the store. An experienced Pittsburgh shoplifting attorney may also be able to file motions to have incriminating statements or evidence suppressed. It may also be possible to arrange probation and restitution to avoid more serious punishment. No matter how small the amount is or how “petty” it may seem, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you avoid what can be very serious consequences.
Our experienced Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys will use our best efforts to zealously defend you and keep you out of jail. Call Michael V. Worgul, directly at 1-412-475-9217 or toll free at 1-855-DUI-CRIM for a free initial consultation to discuss your case. You will also find out how our practice can be put to work for you.
A message from attorney Michael V. Worgul:
I look forward to listening to the circumstances of your case and discussing all available options under the law.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Worgul
Michael V. Worgul, Esq., LLC
429 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
