Retail Theft Offense & Grading Examples
06/27/2024
In PA, retail theft is a grading offense and can result in any of several graded offenses and different penalties. The laws for theft and robbery grading are extensive, complex, and frequently misunderstood by defendants as well as less experienced attorneys.
An individual without any prior retail theft charges is accused of and fingerprinted for a retail theft in the amount of $100 which could result in:
Summary Offense
Maximum of 90 days incarceration;
$300 fine.
Because jail time is rare, this may seem like a best-case scenario. However, a retail theft offense in PA will stay on your criminal record unless later removed under certain circumstances and specific legal procedures. This is true even of a summary conviction for shoplifting.
A person without a prior or with one prior retail theft conviction is accused of and fingerprinted for a retail theft in the amount of $150 which could result in:
Misdemeanor 1
Maximum sentence of 5 years incarceration;
Up to a $10,000 fine.
The above exemplifies how serious shoplifting offenses in PA are taken. What most would characterize as “petty theft” is heavily penalized in the Commonwealth. When facing retail theft charges, you will want and need a criminal defense attorney who knows how local judges and prosecutors operate within these laws.
Fingerprinting is mandated in Pennsylvania for a retail theft in order to store the offense in a statewide database so that theft grading is maintained for any subsequent retail theft charges. In general, higher retail values coupled with any prior retail theft convictions results in heavier punishments. These can mean felony charges for someone with 3 prior convictions, or with stolen goods over $2,000.
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About This Author
Pittsburgh PA law firm Tibbott & Richardson, managed by partners Beth Tibbott and Dana Richardson, focuses its practice on criminal defense and family law. The firm passionately upholds its goal of providing legal service to its clients with integrity, effectiveness, and kindness. The highly eff…
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06/27/2024 Pennsylvania Criminal and Family Law Blog | Tibbott & RichardsonJune 20th is International Nystagmus Day. Nystagmus is a complex visual impairment, characterized by involuntary eye movements, affecting focus and depth perception. In the context of Driving Under the Influence cases, the presence... Read More »
JULY 20th – NATIONAL GET OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE DAY
06/27/2024 National Get Out of the Doghouse Day is celebrated every year on the third Monday in July. The idiom “in the doghouse, ”alludes to a dog being punished for bad behavior by being banished to its outdoor kennel rather than being allowed to stay inside. Usually, someone is in the doghouse for somet... Read More »
FATHER’S DAY: Past and Present
06/27/2024 The third Sunday in June is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the men who have embraced the essential role of fatherhood. This is a day to give thanks to fathers for the sacrifices they make, the responsibility they undertake in raising children, and for their devotion to their family.The Histor... Read More »
NATIONAL CHEER UP THE LONELY DAY
06/27/2024 Each year on July 11th, people across the United States celebrate National Cheer Up the Lonely Day by making a special effort to contact those people in their lives who need a little extra love and attention. Everyone experiences difficult times and loneliness. Whether these feels are due to health... Read More »
Who gets the dog in a divorce?
06/27/2024 Pennsylvania Courts are seeing an increase in the number of divorce cases involving the question, “who gets the furchildren”? Many people consider their pets a member of the family and are shocked to learn that the matter of who will have custody of Bruno is decided on the basis of the pet as a... Read More »
Will My Spouse Get Part of My Business if I Get Divorced?
06/27/2024 Answer: It Depends (Yes, we know this drives you crazy, but it IS the truth.)If you are reading this, you likely are going through or thinking about starting the emotional and complicated matter of divorce and you have a ton of questions. It’s hard to pull the trigger without all the facts, especi... Read More »
Why Shouldn’t You Represent Yourself In A Child Custody Case? Why Should You Hire An Attorney?
06/27/2024 Representing yourself in a child custody case can be a challenging and risky decision. Child custody cases involve complex legal and emotional issues, and the outcome can have a significant impact on your relationship with your child. Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring an attorney... Read More »
What To Look For When Hiring A Divorce & Custody Attorney
06/27/2024 When hiring a divorce and child custody attorney, there are several key factors you should consider:1. Experience: Look for an attorney and law firm who has experience in handling divorce and child custody cases. You want an attorney who has a good track record of success in these areas and knows th... Read More »
How To Talk To My Attorney If I’m In Jail
06/27/2024 If you are in jail in Pennsylvania, you have the right to communicate with your attorney. There are several ways to talk to your attorney, including:1. In-person visits: You can request an in-person visit with your attorney. Your attorney will need to schedule a visit with the jail or prison, and yo... Read More »
What Is The Formula For Calculating Child Support In PA
06/27/2024 In Pennsylvania, the formula for calculating child support is based on the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 1910.16-4. The formula takes into account the income of both parents and the number of children involved, as well as any other relevant factors such as child care expen... Read More »
Boating Under The Influence Charges In Pennsylvania: Navigating The Legal Waters
06/27/2024 Boating is a popular recreational activity in Pennsylvania, attracting countless enthusiasts to its rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. However, similar to driving under the influence (DUI) on the roads, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have serious legal consequences... Read More »