Pittsburgh Property Theft Lawyers Protect Your Rights

Providing defense against larceny charges in southwestern Pennsylvania

Theft is any act that deprives rightful owners of property without their consent. In Pennsylvania, the degree of a theft crime and the severity of the punishment depend on the value of the property stolen and on whether or not forced is used. If you’ve been charged with a theft crime, you could be facing prison, fines and other consequences. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh are available 24 hours a day to protect your rights throughout the legal process.

Common types of theft offenses in Pennsylvania

There were 155,538 theft crime prosecutions in Pennsylvania in 2024, constituting more than half of total criminal cases in the state for that year. The term larceny is used informally to describe theft crimes, but it does not appear in Pennsylvania’s statutes. 

Theft is any unlawful taking of the property of a person or entity. Examples are shoplifting, bicycle theft and motor vehicle theft. Fraud and embezzlement are types of theft accomplished through deception. Extortion and blackmail are theft crimes accomplished via threats.

Robbery involves using force, threats or intimidation in the course of committing a theft, whether against a person or a financial institution. Examples are bank robbery, carjacking, purse snatching, mugging and smash-and-grab robbery. Armed robbery means there was a weapon brandished in the course of committing the crime. 

Burglary, which is often associated with theft, is an unlawful entry into a building or vehicle with the intent to commit any crime inside. 

Penalties for theft convictions in Pennsylvania

Theft crimes are categorized in general by the value of the property involved. The following is a summary of crimes and their respective punishments:

• Misdemeanor theft, third degree — For property valued under $50, up to one year in custody and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Misdemeanor theft, second degree — For property valued between $50 and $200, up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. 
• Misdemeanor theft, first degree — For property valued between $200 to $1,000, up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. 
• Felony theft, third degree — For property valued between $2,000 and $100,000, up to seven years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.
• Felony theft, second degree — For property valued between $100,000 and $500,000, up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.
• Felony theft, first degree — For property valued over $500,000, up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.

Note that in Pennsylvania, retail theft, such as shoplifting, is a separate crime with its own penalty scheme. Punishments are based on the value of the merchandise stolen, ranging from a summary offense if less than $150 in value to a third degree felony if in excess of $1,000. 

Robbery is always a felony, with penalties based on the severity of the offense and the harm caused. Inflicting serious bodily injury is a first-degree felony, carrying up to 20 years in prison, especially if weapons were involved. Unarmed robbery can draw up to 10 years of incarceration.

Effective criminal defense representation in Pittsburgh 

No matter what type or degree of theft crime you are charged with, our attorneys will devise the optimal defense strategy for your situation. This includes fully investigating the arrest and evaluating the state’s evidence. We can bring motions to suppress evidence that has been wrongly obtained or mishandled. Whenever it is in your advantage, we will negotiate with prosecutors for reduction of charges and penalties. If necessary, we will raise such defenses as lack of criminal intent, mistaken identity, mistaken ownership, consent of the property owner, entrapment or use of coercion by others. Our chief goal is to protect your rights and to spare you from excessive punishment and expense. 

Contact our Pittsburgh lawyers for a free theft crime defense consultation 

Phil DiLucente & Associates, LLC in Pittsburgh, provides comprehensive defense representation to southwestern Pennsylvania residents accused of theft crimes. To schedule a free consultation, please call 1.800.GET.PHIL or contact us online.