It is a serious situation that can cost you your career, your family, and your freedom. Whether you are facing criminal charges for the first time or are looking to prevent a new conviction from going on your permanent record, you probably need legal help. If the charge is grand theft, and you are convicted, you could be facing up to 20 years behind bars. We know these facts are frightening. It might help you to have a Norristown grand theft lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. on your side. Call to discuss your case with a member of our team today at (610) 991-7219.
Theft Is a Felony in Pennsylvania
Stealing someone else’s personal property is a crime in Pennsylvania, and the penalties you may face can be steep. According to a 2019 report by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), the offense that occurred most often between 2012 and 2016 was theft. The report goes on to say that 23.4% of all known offenses during that time was for theft of property. The two next most common crimes committed in Pennsylvania were assaults and vandalism.
If you are charged and later convicted of the crime of theft in Pennsylvania, you face hefty fines and jail time, depending on the facts of your case. Was this a first-time offense? Do you already have a criminal record? A judge or a jury may be more lenient if this is your first criminal offense. The penalty for theft in Pennsylvania is typically based on the value of the stolen property or item.
According to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Chapter 39 §3903, the following are the different grades of theft offenses and possible sentences:
- 3rd Degree Felony – A third-degree theft offense is when the amount stolen is over $2000, or if the property stolen is a vehicle, airplane, motorcycle, or motorboat.
- 2nd Degree Felony – A second-degree charge is when the stolen property is more than $100,000 but less than $500,000 in value.
- 1st Degree Felony – A first-degree theft charge is one where the stolen property involves a firearm or the value of the stolen property exceeds $500,000.
If convicted of one of these felonies, incarceration can range from seven to 20 years with fines of up to $25,000, plus court costs, fees, etc.
Hiring a Norristown grand theft lawyer to represent your best interests in court can help you during this difficult time. Call the team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. today at (610) 991-7219 to find out how a lawyer may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.
For a free legal consultation with a grand theft lawyer serving Norristown, call (610) 680-7842
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
When you are facing criminal charges, your future is uncertain. You may lose your job and wonder how you will support your family. You may face jail time and steep fines. Attempting to navigate the complex legal process ahead of you on your own is a daunting thought. This is where a criminal defense attorney comes in and handles your case from start to finish while keeping you apprised every step of the way. A lawyer can do all of the following:
- Explain the possible outcomes of your case and advise you on the best path
- Discuss if taking a plea agreement is the right decision for you
- Explain the pros and cons of going to trial
- Work to get the charges against you reduced or dropped
In order to do the latter, we will thoroughly investigate your case and the events that led up to your arrest. We will gather all evidence in your case, which may support your side of the story. This could include cell phone photos or surveillance video from the scene. In addition, we will scour the police report and all eyewitness testimony. In doing so, we may uncover law enforcement did not follow proper procedure. Perhaps your civil rights were violated during the arrest. We will work to build a strong defense, represent you at trial, and fight to get the charges against you dismissed.
Norristown Grand Theft Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
We Support the ARD Program
The Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program (ARD) is a special program approved by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to benefit first-time offenders who have no prior criminal record.
The goal of the ARD program is to have charges dropped in certain cases that fit the criteria, removing the need for costly trials and court proceedings.
A former prosecutor in the Office of the District Attorney, firm founder David McKenzie is an advocate of the ARD program and believes in helping first-time offenders go through rehabilitation and become productive members of the community.
Click to contact our Norristown Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. for Help Today
ears, unable to support your family. Do not face this complicated legal process alone. A Norristown grand theft lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. is here to provide a solid defense and work to get the charges against you reduced or dropped. The initial consultation is free and confidential. Call to speak with a member of our team today at (610) 991-7219. Do not delay in getting our law firm on your side right away. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get to work on your case.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
