Montgomery County Theft Crimes Lawyer
Retail theft, otherwise known as shoplifting, is removing something from a shop or establishment without permission, with the intent to permanently deprive the establishment of its property. Shoplifting might appear as a minor offense, but it makes up 66% of Pennsylvania’s crime index. Serious penalties can accompany shoplifting. If you are convicted, penalties can include periods of jail time. If you or a loved one has been arrested for shoplifting in Montgomery County, contact Montgomery County Theft Lawyer to ensure that you have an experienced attorney to help fully comply with court orders.
Why Choose Us?
- Our lawyers have established valuable relationships within the county, making it easier to move through the system and aids in negotiation.
- Our lawyers will mitigate the sentence as much as possible, which can include: incarceration, probation, and collateral consequences.
- Our commitment to clients and the community ensures that you get the fairest representation.
Why You Need a Theft Lawyer
A prosecutor in Montgomery County is required to prove beyond a doubt that a person had intent to permanently deprive an establishment of an item, without paying for it. Many people believe that concealment alone can validate this claim, but a Montgomery County theft crimes Attorney can argue that concealment alone is not enough.
An attorney can also advise the defendant not to provide a statement about the incident. Until the trial, it is unclear whether they will be able to prove the charges against you. A local theft Attorney also has trusted relationships within the court system that can determine how a case moves through the system, how swiftly it is resolved, and how to potentially achieve negotiation.
Pennsylvania Shoplifting Laws
Pennsylvania Law Title 8, Section 3929 states that it is a crime to willingly or knowingly take control of unauthorized property if:
- The individual takes or carries away any item from an establishment without paying the full retail value
- Changes or removes price tags or labels
- Transfers merchandise into new containers to avoid paying full value
- Tampers with security devices
- Manipulates cash registers to change value
By Pennsylvania law, this means that a person can be convicted for shoplifting for changing the price tags, even if the item never makes it out the door. The important of a Montgomery County Defense Attorney is to discredit any proof. The penalties for shoplifting in Pennsylvania depend on the value of the property but generally include jail time and a fine.
- Less Than $150: A misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in prison, a fine of up to $300.
- Less Than $150 (2nd Offense): A misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years in prison and up to $5000 in fines.
- $150 or more: A misdemeanor punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third offense (regardless of value): A felony punishable by up to 7 years in jail and $15,000.
How to Deny Proof of Shoplifting
A Montgomery Criminal Defense Attorney will work hard to invalidate any proof of shoplifting. Concealment is enough to be convicted, but an argument can be made against it. An attorney could claim that the individual was only placing the item in a bag to bring it to later bring it to the register for purchase. A defense attorney will bring extensive knowledge of possible defenses to the case. Common defenses against shoplifting in Maryland are mistake of fact, lack of intent, return of property, entrapment, and intoxication.
Contact Our Montgomery County Theft Attorneys Today
Our theft crimes Attorneys will work diligently on behalf of every client. Whether you concealed with intent to steal or not, contact us to evaluate your case and help you take the next step. A Montgomery County defense attorney may be able to help you mitigate the sentence and potentially negotiate. Call to request your free, no-obligation consultation. (610) 692-8700