Experienced Bucks County Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with any type of theft crime or suspect that you will be charged, it is important that you immediately seek a skilled attorney who knows how to handle these charges and protect your rights and your future.

Since 1979, the Law Offices of John J. Fioravanti Jr. in Doylestown has provided clients with skilled criminal defense representation, protecting our clients from the full brunt of criminal sentencing. Theft charges could result in jail time and serious loss of liberties. We will work with the prosecution, minimizing the charges against you and aggressively fighting for the best possible outcome.

Theft crimes can range widely in charges and sentencing for those charges. We handle all forms of misdemeanor and felony theft charges in Bucks County and beyond, including shoplifting, robbery, aggravated robbery, burglary charges, grand theft and any form of theft charges. We thoroughly investigate the details of the allegations and the arrest, minimizing the charges as much as possible.

How Pennsylvania Grades Theft Charges

Pennsylvania grades many theft offenses by the value of the property involved, the type of property and the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft. They include:

• Summary offense: A first theft offense involving property valued at less than $150 may be charged as a summary offense.
• Third-degree misdemeanor: Theft may be graded as a third-degree misdemeanor when the property value is generally less than $50, depending on the circumstances.
• Second-degree misdemeanor: Theft can be graded as a second-degree misdemeanor when the property value is at least $50 but less than $200.
• First-degree misdemeanor: Theft may be graded as a first-degree misdemeanor when the property value is at least $200 but not more than $2,000.
• Felony theft: Theft may become a felony when the property value is more than $2,000. Felony grading may also apply when the case involves certain property, such as a motor vehicle or firearm, or theft committed during a disaster.

A theft crimes lawyer can review the value, evidence and charging documents before you assume what penalties may apply.

Consequences Of A Theft Conviction

A theft conviction can create problems that last well after court fines, probation or jail time have ended.

• Professional licenses: Nurses, teachers, medical workers, caregivers, real estate professionals and other licensed workers may face reporting requirements, board review, discipline, suspension or problems renewing a license.
• Employment background checks: Employers may hesitate to hire or keep someone with a theft conviction, especially for jobs involving money, inventory, confidential information, retail work, security, healthcare or positions of trust.
• Housing applications: Landlords and property managers screen criminal records. A theft conviction may make it harder to qualify for rental housing, especially in competitive housing markets.

At the Law Offices of John J. Fioravanti Jr., our criminal defense attorney can find ways to fight the charge, reduce the grading, limit the record or explore future expungement options.

Defense Strategies In Pennsylvania Theft Cases

A theft charge does not mean the prosecution can automatically prove guilt. Prosecutors must usually prove more than possession or proximity to property. Common defense issues may include:

• Lack of intent: The person did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
• Claim of right: The person believed the property belonged to them or that they had permission to take it.
• Mistake of fact: The incident happened by accident, such as walking out of a store with an unpaid item left under a cart.
• Weak evidence: Video, witness statements, receipts, or police reports may not support the accusation.

Our team can examine the evidence, challenge assumptions and work toward the strongest available outcome.

Zealous Advocacy On Your Side

We are well known throughout the state for our criminal defense abilities, and we are often able to reach the best possible deal with local prosecutors. Our experienced theft crime lawyer will provide you with a clear and honest understanding of where the charges stand and all options available to you. If the case moves to trial, you can trust our abilities in court, aggressively fighting to protect your rights and your future.

To learn more about how we can zealously advocate on your behalf, please contact our law firm today by calling our Doylestown, Pennsylvania, office at 1-215-348-9133 for an initial consultation.