Theft Defense Attorney for UPenn Students
Any form of theft is a crime that can have serious consequences. These consequences can also extend to affect a student’s status at their university. That is why it is important to not waste time in determining how you should handle your theft offense as a student of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). If you attend UPenn and you were arrested for theft, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia theft defense attorney for UPenn students today.
The Law Offices of Lloyd Long is prepared to offer you the legal representation that you need to defend against charges of theft at UPenn. Our firm has litigated a wide range of complex criminal cases, and we would be honored to use this knowledge to fight for you. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171, or contact us online.
Pennsylvania Theft Laws
There are multiple forms of theft that a defendant could be charged with in Pennsylvania. For example, theft by unlawful taking occurs when a defendant exerts unlawful control over the property of another. The property stolen could be an item that is movable or immovable. This means unlawfully taking an interest in real estate that is not yours could result in an offense for theft by unlawful taking of immovable property.
Theft by deception is another form of theft. This offense occurs when a defendant takes or withholds the property of another under the guise of a lie. If a defendant creates a false impression of the law upon the victim to take their property, this will be considered theft by deception. Other examples of theft by deception include:
- Preventing an individual from learning about information that could change their decision on a specific transaction
- Taking advantage of misinformation the defendant supported in order to deprive a person of their property
Theft by extortion occurs when a defendant takes the property of another by threatening the victim with accusations that could result in criminal charges or contempt from others. Other examples of theft by extortion include:
- Threatening to commit a criminal offense to extort property from another
- Performing illicit actions as an official to deprive a person of their property
- Inflicting harm that would not benefit the actor
There are other forms of theft that are not listed above, like theft of services or theft of property delivered by mistake.
To learn more about the criminal penalties for being convicted of theft, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer.
Penalties for UPenn Students Charged with Theft
The penalties for theft can change depending on a number of circumstances. However, the monetary value of the property stolen will play a large role in determining the type of penalties a UPenn student may face if convicted. Specifically, the court will look at the market value of the item or the value of replacing an item if the market value cannot be determined.
If a defendant steals property that is worth more than $2,000 or that is an automobile, airplane, or a similar vehicle, the offense will be graded as a third degree felony. In Pennsylvania, third degree felonies carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and $15,000 in penalties.
If a defendant is accused of stealing property under any of the following conditions, their theft offense will be graded as a second degree felony:
- Taking property during a natural or humanmade disaster (e.g., hurricane or riot)
- Stealing a firearm or receiving a stolen firearm
- Stealing property that is worth at least $100,000 but less than $500,000
If convicted of a second degree felony, a defendant can be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
When the value of property stolen is equal to $500,000 or more, the theft offense will be graded as a first degree felony. First degree felonies carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
There are some circumstances where theft can be graded as a misdemeanor. This is typically true when the property that was stolen is valued between $50 and $200. Note, however, that even a first degree misdemeanor in Pennsylvania can be punished with up to five years in prison, while a third degree misdemeanor can result in one year in prison.
An arrest for theft will almost certainly result in disciplinary proceedings initiated by your university. Our firm can not only help you prepare for your criminal case, but we can aid you during your disciplinary hearing. A serious offense like theft can result in the loss of privileges at a university or even expulsion under certain circumstances. Do not waste time in speaking with an attorney to determine how to approach your disciplinary hearing.
Our Philadelphia Theft Defense Lawyer for UPenn Students is Ready to Work with You
If you or a family member was arrested for theft, contact an experienced Philadelphia college student theft defense lawyer today. Criminal defense lawyer Lloyd Long understands the stress of facing serious criminal charges at the University of Pennsylvania, and he is here to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
