Theft Defense Attorney for Drexel Students
Theft is a troublesome offense to be arrested for if you are a student attending a well-known educational institution like Drexel University. The penalties for a theft offense can vary depending on the type and value of the items stolen. A student can easily be charged with a serious felony if they are accused of taking a valuable item. If you are a student at Drexel University, and you were arrested for theft, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia theft defense attorney for Drexel University students.
The Law Offices of Lloyd Long is committed to providing clients with aggressive legal defense to pursue a desirable outcome to their criminal case. Criminal defense lawyer Lloyd Long possesses extensive experience litigating a variety of complex cases, and he is prepared to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171 or contact us online.
An Overview of Pennsylvania Theft Laws
Theft is a crime that occurs when a person exercises control or dominion over the property of another person without their consent. While theft offenses are often linked to the taking of movable property like jewelry or electronics, it is possible to be charged with theft of immovable property.
Pennsylvania has categorized theft depending on the circumstances of the crime. For example, theft by deception occurs when a person steals or withholds the property of another person due to a falsehood. Theft by deception can also occur under other circumstances:
- Misrepresenting a law in order to deprive a person of their property
- Omitting valuable information that a person needs when making a certain transaction to withhold property
Theft by extortion is another form of theft that typically occurs when a person threatens another with sensitive information to gain control of their property. For example, threatening to report a student for academic plagiarism if they fail to pay you a certain sum of money is considered theft by extortion. There are other scenarios where theft by extortion is possible, like using a position of authority to take property from other students.
This is not an exhaustive list of the various types of theft a person can be charged with in Pennsylvania. To learn more about the penalties associated with a conviction for theft, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer.
Possible Penalties for Drexel Students Convicted of Theft
The market value of items is often the determining factor when considering the severity of a theft offense. As you might expect, the criminal penalties for theft by a college student will increase in comparison to the types of goods stolen. For example, if a Drexel student is accused of taking property worth more than $2,000, their theft offense will be graded as a third degree felony.
While third degree felonies carry the least severe penalties among felonies, the maximum sentence for a third degree felony is enough to frighten any student. Specifically, a defendant convicted of a third degree felony theft can serve up to seven years in prison and owe up to $15,000 in criminal penalties.
There are a number of scenarios where theft can be graded as a second degree felony:
- Stealing goods during a natural or manufactured disaster
- Taking the firearm of another or receiving or purchasing a stolen firearm
- Stealing property valued at $100,000 but less than $500,000
If a defendant is convicted of committing a second degree felony theft, they can serve up to 10 years in prison and owe $25,000 in fines.
Theft is graded as a first degree felony when a defendant is accused of stealing property that is worth at least $500,000 or more. As first degree felonies are the most serious type of felony outside of homicide, the penalties for this grade of offense are the most severe. In Pennsylvania, the maximum penalties for first degree felonies include 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
It is important to note that if a defendant is accused of stealing multiple pieces of property, they can be charged with multiple theft offenses. This means that the possible penalties for their case can increase substantially depending on the circumstances. We understand that criminal proceedings are a daunting experience, and we are here to guide you through the process. Our firm can also assist you in disciplinary proceedings instituted by a university.
Work with Our Experienced Theft Defense Lawyer for Drexel Students
If you attend Drexel University, and you were arrested on allegations of committing theft, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia theft defense lawyer for Drexel students. The Law Offices of Lloyd Long is dedicated to providing all our clients with the diligent representation needed during complex criminal proceedings. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
