THEFT CRIME PENNSYLVANIA

Theft is defined as an action through which a person knowingly takes, uses, or exercises control over; or attempts to take, use, or exercise control over, the property of another person, with intent to, either temporarily or permanently:

• Deprive another person of the right to the property or to the benefits derived from the property.
• Appropriate the property to their own use or to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property.

Types of theft offenses include:

• Theft by Unlawful Taking
• Theft by Deception
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Retail Theft
• Theft by Extortion
• Theft of Lost/Mislaid/Stolen Property
• Theft of Services
• Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds
• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
• Library Theft
• Theft of Leased Property
• Theft from a Motor Vehicle

Penalties may also vary based on factors such as the type of property, it's value, if a weapon was used and if there were injuries associated with the crime.

In Pennsylvania law the penalty for theft is based upon the value of the items stolen. If the value is:

• Over $2000 it is a 3^rd degree felony punishable by a maximum of 7 years in prison
• Over $200 it is a 1st degree Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 5 years in prison
• Over $50 it is a 2^nd degree Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 2 years in prison
• Under $50 it is a 3^rd degree Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 1 years in prison. It may also be classified as a summary offense.

Any theft of a vehicle or firearm is a felony.