Theft Lawyer in Luzerne County
Serving Lackawanna, Monroe, Columbia, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Schuylkill, Carbon, Pike, and Wayne Counties
When someone is charged with theft or any related crimes, they need experienced legal defense to protect their rights and fight for their freedom. The Law Office of William I. Abraham has spent over 20 years giving trusted legal counsel and vigorous defense to those facing charges for theft. Our Luzerne County theft lawyer understands the complexities and nuances of Pennsylvania law and process, and can guide defendants with deep professionalism and knowledge.
People in and around Wilkes-Barre can find themselves facing theft charges after an arrest by local law enforcement or a citation from a store or alleged victim. A conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, immigration status, and housing opportunities, so having a theft attorney Wilkes-Barre residents can turn to for clear guidance is crucial. We take time to review police reports, charging documents, and any available video or witness statements from incidents in places like local retailers, neighborhoods, or college campuses to look for weaknesses in the case.
From our Luzerne County office, we serve the counties of Lackawanna, Columbia, Monroe, and beyond. Call Abraham Law today at (570) 762-9988 or reach out here online to set up a free consultation.
Penalties for Theft
The value of the property stolen is the key variable in determining what potential penalties a defendant may face for theft.
If the property stolen is valued at less than $50, the offender will face third-degree misdemeanor charges. It’s important to note that even this comparatively light charge can still result in up to one year in jail, depending on the inclinations of the judge and a defendant’s prior record.
When the property stolen is valued between $50 and $200, the charge can escalate to a second-degree misdemeanor, which increases the maximum penalty to two years behind bars. Property valued up to $2,000 can result in first-degree misdemeanor charges and as long as five years in jail.
The threshold for felony charges is at $2,000. Any theft from this point up to $100,000 can be a third-degree felony, which can result in prison sentences as long as seven years. Further escalation to second and first-degree charges can depend on the circumstances surrounding the theft (i.e., taking a firearm) and the value of the property taken, all the way up to $500,000 more. Prison sentences can go for up to 20 years.
Defendants should know that there is considerable flexibility on the side of law enforcement, both in terms of the charges sought, and the sentences applied. How that flexibility is exercised might come down to how good the defendant’s Luzerne County theft lawyer is. And, of course, there is no sentence at all, when charges get dropped or acquittal is secured at trial. That’s the objective, our considerable experience, knowledge, and legal savvy is always being leveraged.
Contact the Luzerne County theft attorney at the Law Office of William I. Abraham by calling (570) 762-9988 or through filling out our online contact form today.
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How We Defend Theft & Larceny Charges
People facing theft allegations often want to know what we actually do once we are retained and how we approach building a defense. Our first step is to obtain and review all available discovery, including police reports, security footage, witness statements, and any written or recorded statements you may have given. We then compare that information against the requirements of the specific Pennsylvania theft statute charged to see whether the prosecution can truly prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt in Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas or a local magisterial district court.
After understanding the evidence, we look for legal and factual issues that can be used to challenge the case. This may include filing motions to suppress evidence that resulted from an unlawful stop, search, or seizure, questioning identification procedures, or highlighting inconsistencies in the complaining witness’s version of events. A theft crime attorney Wilkes-Barre residents hire can also explore whether there are diversionary programs, intervention courts, or negotiated pleas that protect a clean record, particularly for first-time defendants or students at nearby colleges facing shoplifting or low-level property charges.
Throughout the process, we stay in close contact with our clients so they understand what is happening and can make informed decisions at each stage. We prepare clients thoroughly for hearings and, when necessary, trial, explaining what to expect when appearing before judges and juries in the Wilkes-Barre area. Our goal is always to pursue the path that best safeguards our client’s future, whether that means aggressively contesting the charges or negotiating a resolution that reduces risk while limiting the long-term impact of a theft conviction.
Judges in Luzerne County and surrounding areas also consider factors such as whether restitution has been paid, whether the person is willing to engage in counseling or community service, and whether there are diversionary programs available for first-time offenders. A larceny attorney Wilkes-Barre residents retain can address the court at sentencing, present mitigating information, and explore alternatives to lengthy incarceration when the law allows. We routinely appear in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas and local magisterial district courts, so we understand how to prepare our clients for hearings and what information can be most helpful to present.
