Attorney Michael Fienman, founder of Fienman Defense, has years of experience fighting criminal charges in Philadelphia courts. He knows how challenging this process is, especially if this is your first time in trouble with the law. He’s here to fight for the best possible outcome in your case, whether that’s a dismissal, acquittal, or lenient sentence.

Types of Theft Charges in Philadelphia

At Fienman Defense, we handle a wide range of theft-related offenses. Whether you’re being investigated or already charged, we’re ready to defend you. We represent clients accused of everything from petty theft and shoplifting to complex fraud and embezzlement.

Theft

In Pennsylvania, you can be charged with theft when you unlawfully take, move, or exert control over someone else’s property. This statute covers everything from stealing small amounts of money to embezzlement schemes.

The level of the charge depends on the type and value of the property involved. The more valuable the property, the higher the degree. If you allegedly stole more than $2,000 worth of money or property, it’s a third-degree felony. Property worth less than $2,000 is a misdemeanor offense.

Shoplifting

Retail theft, or what most people would call shoplifting, can be a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony, depending on the value of the merchandise.

If the merchandise is worth more than $150, but it’s your second offense, it’s a misdemeanor. This offense is considered a felony if the merchandise was:

  • Worth more than $2,000
  • A firearm
  • A vehicle

This can also be a felony if it is your third offense.

Theft From a Vehicle

Removing someone else’s property from a vehicle without permission is theft. Depending on the value of the property, you face first, second, or third-degree misdemeanor. However, if this is your third or subsequent offense within five years, you’ll face a felony.

Theft by Deception

You can be charged with a theft offense if you intentionally lied about something important to access or take control of another person’s property. Theft by deception is charged the same way as other forms of theft. The value of the property determines whether you face a misdemeanor or felony.

Bad Checks

Writing checks that you know a bank or other financial institution won’t honor is a crime. If the check was for less than $200, this is a summary offense. But higher amounts lead to misdemeanor and felony charges. A check for $75,000 or more is a felony.

Forgery

You face a misdemeanor or felony offense if you try to use a falsified document for your own gain.
Three types of forgery are:

  • Signing someone else’s signature
  • Creating false documents
  • Passing off a fake document as authentic

Receiving Stolen Property

Knowingly receiving stolen property is just as bad as stealing it yourself. A court could convict you of a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the property.

Penalties for Theft

The level of the offense determines the maximum sentence:

Whether you receive the maximum or a lenient sentence depends on a few factors. The Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines are a matrix, which uses the offense gravity score and your prior record score to suggest a sentence. If you have a criminal history, you’ll likely face a harsher penalty.

Consequences of a Theft Conviction

Beyond jail time and fines, a theft conviction can follow you for years. It can:

  • Appear on background checks

  • Affect your ability to get a job or lease an apartment

  • Hurt your reputation in your community

  • Limit education and professional opportunities

Our goal is to help you avoid these long-term consequences by getting your charges reduced, dismissed, or dropped entirely.

How We Defend Theft Charges in Philadelphia

Every theft case is unique, which is why we thoroughly investigate and gather evidence on your behalf. We get to know every facet of your matter, inside and out, so we can determine the right defense strategy. What may work on one case may not be suitable for yours. Just know that there are options.

Possible theft defenses include:

  • Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence
  • Challenging the prosecution’s witnesses’ reliability, reputation, or memory
  • Establish reasonable doubt
  • Demonstrate the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence
  • Provide your alibi

Strategic Options Beyond Trial

We may implement other strategies if we believe we won’t win a dismissal or acquittal. If you choose to go to trial, we can strive to mitigate the consequences of a conviction. We can push facts that give the judge a reason to set out a lenient sentence.

Another option is to negotiate a plea agreement. You may receive a lesser charger or light sentence if you agree to plead guilty.

Diversion Programs for First-Time Offenders

If this theft charge is your first time in trouble with the law, then Fienman Defense will explain your options. You may be eligible for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition or an Accelerated Misdemeanor Program.

AMP I and AMP II may be available for a non-violent misdemeanor. ARD is for first-time offenders facing relatively minor offenses but who need longer periods of supervision than AMP requires.

Under any of these programs, if you complete the supervision and other requirements, the court dismisses the original charges. You won’t have a conviction on your record.

Call a Philadelphia Theft Lawyer Today

Don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you contact Fienman Defense, the sooner we can start building a strong defense. Attorney Michael Fienman is ready to help you fight back and move forward.

Contact us at (215) 839-9529 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Client Reviews

Experience was excellent, Mike answered any and all questions I had and handled everything. Made me feel like I got my money's worth, an experienced attorney who is good at his job.

Danile D.