The penalties associated with a theft conviction in Pennsylvania may be life-changing. You can protect yourself from the most onerous consequences by hiring our King of Prussia theft by unlawful taking lawyer to investigate your case, build your defense, and work with the prosecution and the court to arrange the best possible deal.
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., answers your calls 24/7 and will assess your case for free, so there is no reason to hesitate. Call today to find out how our King of Prussia theft crimes lawyer can fight for your rights and your future.
How Our Attorney Handles Theft by Unlawful Taking Cases in King of Prussia
Thanks to his experience as a prosecutor, David McKenzie knows how prosecutors think and act and what defense strategies they are most likely to find convincing. Our King of Prussia theft by unlawful taking lawyer can figure out the right strategy for you by:
- Investigating the charges: Not only do we listen closely as clients tell us their story, we conduct our own investigation into the alleged theft. That means taking testimony and reviewing relevant paperwork or video footage.
- Verifying the evidence against you: Even if the prosecution thinks they have a strong case, we might be able to find proof that they acquired the evidence illegally, misinterpreted evidence, or are relying on undependable witnesses.
- Speaking to the prosecution: They might be willing to make a deal, especially if they know their case is not airtight. Negotiating a plea deal could spare you from the worst penalties associated with your theft by unlawful taking charge.
The information we obtain during this stage can tell our King of Prussia criminal defense lawyer which of the following legal strategies might work best for you:
- Pleading guilty to a lesser charge with lighter penalties
- Showing that you did not intend to steal anything (the prosecution must prove you intended to commit theft in order to win a conviction)
- Showing that you received the owner’s permission to take or borrow the allegedly stolen item
- Proving that you paid for and own the item in question and therefore could not have stolen it
- Demonstrating that the person who accused you of theft mistook you for someone else
- Asking that the charges be dismissed due to lack of admissible evidence
For a free legal consultation with a theft by unlawful taking lawyer serving King of Prussia, call (610) 680-7842
Our Defense Law Firm Can Help You Avoid Theft by Unlawful Taking Penalties
The penalties you face if convicted may depend on the monetary value of whatever you allegedly stole. In general, the judge may sentence you to:
- Pay fines
- Pay court fees
- Pay restitution, meaning you have to pay the victim back for the property they lost
- A jail or prison sentence
- Probation
Your case’s monetary value will also determine which venue you are tried in. Cases involving stolen property worth less than $12,000, for example, are sent to the Montgomery County District Court. Cases worth more than $12,000 may go straight to a higher court.
The King of Prussia theft by unlawful taking lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is always willing to defend clients in court when necessary. Call now to find out more.
King of Prussia Theft by Unlawful Taking Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
There Are Two Kinds of Theft by Unlawful Taking in Pennsylvania
Under 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 3921, theft by unlawful taking includes crimes involving both movable and immovable property:
- Theft of movable property involves any item that can be easily carried and taken away. This could include shoplifting or driving off with your neighbor’s car.
- Theft of immovable property involves items like land or real estate. Such a crime might be carried out by manipulating someone into transferring the deed to their property to you.
You may be charged with theft by unlawful taking even if the prosecution has no direct evidence of your involvement in the crime. For example, they might claim that you already sold or disposed of the items you stole and use circumstantial evidence (e.g., your videorecorded presence in the store where the theft occurred) to prove their case.
Why Fighting Theft by Unlawful Taking Charges Is So Important
Regardless of whether you stand accused of taking movable or immovable property, the consequences of a conviction can be dire. The conviction itself and the penalties that come with it could affect your:
- Personal relationships with family, friends, and neighbors who may decide not to trust you anymore
- Ability to get an education or find a good job
- Self-esteem and mental health, especially if you are sent to jail or prison
While it is important to realize the seriousness of your situation, it is just as important not to panic—and to recognize that you are not alone. The criminal lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., is on your side and ready to defend your rights.
Our Law Firm Can Also Help You After Your Theft Case Is Over
Even after the charges have been dismissed, you are acquitted, or you serve your sentence, having a theft by unlawful taking charge or conviction on your record can continue to impact your life for years to come. The only way to wipe the slate clean is by seeking expungement.
Expungement is available to many people who were acquitted or convicted of nonviolent crimes. Our criminal defense lawyer in King of Prussia can:
- Tell you if you are eligible for expungement
- Help you file the right paperwork
- Answer any questions you have about expungement
After being charged with theft by unlawful taking, your main priority should be getting back to normal as soon as possible. Not only can our legal team can help you do that, we also stay in close touch with you throughout your case so you always know what is going on.
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Take Action by Calling Our King of Prussia Theft Crimes Attorney
At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we measure our success by your success, and we are never satisfied until our client is. Call us today for a free, confidential evaluation. Our King of Prussia theft by unlawful taking lawyer can keep you updated as our legal team advocates for you both in and out of the courtroom.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
