A theft charge can disrupt every part of your life. Whether police have accused you of taking something worth $50 or $50,000, the label of “thief” carries serious weight, and a conviction can follow you long after you have served any sentence. Pennsylvania law defines theft broadly, and prosecutors often pursue these cases aggressively. Understanding your rights and the charges against you is the first step toward mounting a real defense.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers have been fighting for the rights of people facing theft charges for over 65 years. We know how the prosecution builds these cases, where those cases have weaknesses, and how to challenge evidence, witness accounts, and the intent that the Commonwealth must prove to obtain a conviction. When the stakes are this high, having a knowledgeable legal team in your corner matters.

What Counts as a Theft Crime in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s Consolidated Statutes consolidate many separate offenses under the umbrella of “theft.” These charges range in severity depending on the value of what was allegedly taken and the method used. Some of the most common theft offenses include shoplifting, retail theft, theft by deception, theft of services, receiving stolen property, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony often comes down to the dollar value involved. A theft involving property worth less than $50 is typically a summary offense, while amounts between $50 and $200 can trigger a third-degree misdemeanor. Once the value climbs above $2,000, prosecutors may charge the offense as a felony. The classification also shifts based on the circumstances. Theft involving a firearm or taking property directly from a person, for example, automatically elevates the charge.

Potential Penalties for Theft Convictions

The penalties for a theft conviction in Pennsylvania vary widely depending on how the offense is classified. What starts as a relatively minor charge can escalate quickly based on the value of the alleged theft, any prior criminal history, and the specific facts of the case.

Summary Offenses and Misdemeanors

A summary theft offense may seem minor, but it can still result in fines, a criminal record, and, in some cases, brief incarceration. First-degree misdemeanor theft, which applies to stolen property valued between $200 and $2,000, carries a maximum sentence of five years in state prison.

Felony Theft Charges

Felony theft charges carry far more serious consequences and can permanently alter the course of your life. A third-degree felony applies to property valued between $2,000 and $100,000 and carries a maximum of seven years in prison. A second-degree felony applies above that threshold. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, property crimes, including theft, remain among the most commonly prosecuted offenses in the United States, meaning courts and prosecutors have significant experience pursuing these cases. That is precisely why you need an equally prepared defense.

Types of Theft Defenses We Pursue

No two theft cases are alike, and a strong defense begins with a thorough review of the facts, the evidence, and the specific charge you are facing. Our team evaluates every angle before building a strategy tailored to your situation.

Challenging Intent

Every theft charge requires the prosecution to prove you intended to permanently deprive someone of their property. If the circumstances suggest a misunderstanding, a genuine mistake, or a disputed claim of ownership, that intent element becomes a critical battleground.

Questioning the Evidence

Police do not always gather evidence properly. Surveillance footage may be unclear, witness identifications can be mistaken, and the valuation of stolen property may be inflated. Our team scrutinizes every piece of evidence the Commonwealth intends to use and challenges anything that does not meet legal standards.

Exploring Diversion Programs and Alternative Resolutions

For first-time offenders, Pennsylvania courts sometimes offer paths that keep a conviction off your record. We carefully evaluate whether diversion programs or negotiated resolutions may be in your interest, while always keeping your long-term goals in mind.

It is also worth noting that theft charges often arise alongside related offenses. A robbery defense involves additional elements of force or threat, while a burglary defense centers on the circumstances of entering a structure. If prosecutors have stacked multiple charges, we address each one strategically. In cases involving fraud schemes or financial crimes, our white-collar crime attorneys bring focused knowledge to the defense.

Fight Your Theft Charge With Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C.

Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm with offices in Colmar and Newtown, Pennsylvania, and has earned the distinction of being named a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2010. Our team brings a direct, aggressive approach to criminal defense, and we treat every client’s case with the individual attention it deserves. We listen carefully, communicate clearly, and build a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
If you are facing a theft charge in Pennsylvania, do not wait to take action. The sooner we can review the facts of your case, the more options we can preserve for your defense. Reach out to our team through our contact form to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.