21 Aug 2023
Criminal Defense
There are multiple different types of theft in Pennsylvania. They range in severity of violence, so it makes sense that they should range in severity of punishment. But not everyone knows this, with many people using terms for specific theft crimes interchangeably when they're not the same.
Depending on the circumstances, theft crimes can carry penalties ranging from probation to lengthy jail sentences. Understanding the types of theft crimes in Pennsylvania and what punishments they carry is essential for protecting yourself and your freedoms.
If you have been charged with a theft crime of any kind, time is of the essence. You need a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, so contact us at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC.
Types of Theft Crimes in PA
Theft crimes in Pennsylvania are divided into three categories: Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception, and Receiving Stolen Property. Each category has its own subtypes.Theft by Unlawful Taking
Theft by Unlawful Taking is the act of diverting someone else’s property without their permission or consent. This includes theft from an individual’s home or business and theft of items from a vehicle and their person. Theft by Unlawful Taking is the most commonly charged type of theft in Pennsylvania.Types of Unlawful Taking
There are also three subtypes of Unlawful Taking: larceny, burglary, and robbery. Sure, these three terms are often used interchangeably, but in the legal world, they have distinct meanings:- Larceny: This is the act of unlawfully taking someone else's personal property without any use or threat of violence and without breaking onto someone else's property. This commonly occurs without the victim's knowledge as the theft is happening. An example would be shoplifting or pickpocketing.
- Burglary: This involves unlawful entry into a building to commit a crime. The key element here is unlawful entry. Your intention does not actually have to be theft for it to be considered burglary, and the intended criminal act does not have to be carried out. If no crime was intended, it's breaking.
- Robbery: This is a crime that not only involves theft (like larceny) but also includes the use or threat of force to steal another person. It's similar to larceny but with the added elements of force and intimidation. An example would be mugging someone on the street.