Theft Crimes Lawyer West Chester
Are we only as good as our word? Certainly credibility and reliability are valued and prized and someone’s definition of honesty is almost always a litmus test for whether we gain or maintain employment, get into school and maintain relationships. Crimes of Theft are viewed at going at the core of what is honesty or dishonesty and it is very important that you fight theft based crimes to uphold your reputation. Speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer; or better yet, an experienced team of criminal defense lawyers, such as our West Chester PA based Criminal Defense Lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices. We fight Theft based crimes in Chester County; in suburban Philadelphia and beyond. Learn more, inquiry by EMAIL or contact us directly at (610) 692-8700.
Over 50 years of Combined Legal Experience on Your Side
Whether you’re facing a shoplifting allegation or a robbery charge, a property crime accusation can have a serious impact on your future. Aside from the possibility of jail time and fines, a theft charge on your record can impede future opportunities, particularly for employment. A conviction will show up on background checks and future employers will see this serious allegation.
With your future on the line, you need someone on your side that knows how to navigate Pennsylvania’s legal system and is not afraid to fight for your rights. A criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in facing your charges.
West Chester Theft Attorney
The legal team at Ciccarelli Law Offices has helped thousands of clients in the Philadelphia area, and they can defend you against your property crime charges. Property crime charges often vary depending on factors such as the cost of the damage caused, and the attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices can work to reduce the charges you face before you even set foot in a courtroom.
For those in Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, or Montgomery County, you can get the help you need by calling (610) 692-8700 today to schedule your free consultation appointment at Ciccarelli Law Offices. We are based in West Chester, and have offices in Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Malvern, Plymouth Meeting, Springfield, Radnor, King of Prussia and Lancaster.
Look for an aggressive, experienced lawyer to consult and represent you when you are facing theft crimes. In Pennsylvania a criminal conviction of a misdemeanor or felony theft charge can “stick” on your record for most of your life and can be used against you if you ever have to testify in court in any unrelated civil or criminal matter as proof of “crimen falsi” or dishonesty. Even a summary citation for theft related offenses like shoplifting or retail theft can remain on your record a minimum of five (5) years before you can request an expungement. Do better. Look for theft crimes lawyers to fight your conviction, ofter you options and provide you a strategy to help protect your reputation and your future.
Ciccarelli Law Offices defends individuals facing criminal charges and arrests for Theft crimes in Chester County, in suburban Philadelphia and beyond, including but not limited to:
- Theft Arrest
- Theft of Services
- Receiving Stolen Goods
- Deceptive Practices
- Forgery Charges
- Forged Prescription
- Retail Theft
- Shoplifting
- Fraud Charges
- Identity Theft
- Credit Card Theft
- Access Device Fraud
- Internet Crimes
- Bad Checks
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Armed Robbery
- False ID
- False Reports
- Welfare Fraud
- Unemployment Fraud
- White Collar Crimes
Theft Offenses in Pennsylvania
According to Pennsylvania’s laws, theft means that a person has been deprived of their property. If someone takes property with the intent to sell it, permanently keep it, obtain some kind of reward for its possession, or retain it long enough to obtain some of its value, then a theft has been committed.
In Pennsylvania, theft can include the simple act of stealing, but it can also be broken down to include other categories:
Theft by Deception (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3922)
This type of theft means that the accused person allegedly used a false impression to obtain benefit or financial gain. For instance, if a person is selling a car and allows the buyer to pay more for the car because of false information, that person has committed theft by deception.
Theft of Services (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3926)
Theft of services involving a customer intentionally receiving a commercial service without providing compensation, such as a person having a repair completed and not paying for the service.
Receiving Stolen Property (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3925)
Knowingly receiving stolen property is also considered a theft charge, with serious consequences.
Retail Theft / Shoplifting (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3929)
Retail theft is the common offense of stealing merchandise from a store. If a customer intentionally seeks to deprive a company of compensation or goods, such as committing a return fraud, that can also be considered retail theft.
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3929)
Using a vehicle without permission, such as taking it on a “joyride” is considered theft, even if it was just for a small amount of time.
Most theft charges are misdemeanors, but if the value of the property in question is more than $2,000 or a firearm was used, the offense becomes a felony. For any theft charge, however, the allegation can have a big impact on your criminal background and future opportunities.
Any theft charge can have serious implications on your opportunities in the future, including for jobs and for loans, like a small business loan. Don’t take them lightly. Hire a West Chester defense lawyer.
Chester County Property Crimes
Criminal Trespass (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3502)
Criminal trespass means that an individual entered a building or area where that person was not supposed to be. This charge often accompanies other charges, such as burglary or vandalism.
Burglary (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3502)
Burglary includes entering a residence or building with the intent of committing a crime. This can include stealing, but this charge can cover other offenses as well.
Arson (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3301)
Arson covers offenses involving fire or explosives used in improper ways. The charges can range in severity, but can include a first degree felony if a person was endangered by a fire started by the accused.
Criminal Mischief / Vandalism (18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 3304)
Criminal mischief covers nay offense involving a person destroying the property or another person or public property. This can include graffiti, defacement of property, or other damage.
Finding the Best Defense for West Chester Property Crime Charges
Theft offenses can range from misdemeanors to felonies, but all of them leave a mark on the offender’s permanent record. To protect your future, you need the help of an experienced lawyer. The attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices can proactively look for a weakness in the prosecution’s case against you and plan out your defense. Those in the area of Philadelphia, Downingtown, Coatesville or Exton can call (610) 692-8700 today to schedule a free consultation with our skilled legal team.
Chester County Theft Crime Lawyer
Based in suburban Philadelphia PA at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19390, we make your choice all the clearer with locations throughout the metropolitan Philadelphia Pennsylvania, including Center City Philadelphia, West Chester PA, Malvern (serving Downingtown/Exton PA) , Kennett Square PA, Lancaster PA, King of Prussia PA, Plymouth Meeting PA, Radnor and Springfield PA.
We serve Downingtown, Paoli, Media, Norristown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading and Allentown. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania Theft Crimes Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.