The crime of larceny, or theft, is a serious offense and can leave convicted defendants with a criminal record and significant penalties. To learn more and obtain experienced representation during your case, work with a skillful York County, PA theft crime attorney today.
What is Larceny?
Pennsylvania state law does not recognize the crime of “larceny,” instead defining the similar offense of theft. PA law outlines a variety of theft offenses, including theft by deception, theft by extortion, theft of services, theft of lost property, financial exploitation of an older adult, and more.
However, the most common standard form of theft is defined under § 3921, theft by unlawful taking or disposition. This offense is the most similar to larceny, as defined by other states. Under this statute, theft is described as follows.
- Movable property: A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes or exercises unlawful control over movable property of another with intent to deprive him thereof
- Immovable property: A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully transfers or exercises unlawful control over immovable property of another or any interest therein with intent to benefit himself or another not entitled thereto
How is Theft Classified in PA?
Depending on the unique circumstances of the situation, a theft offense may be charged as a third-degree misdemeanor all the way up to a first-degree felony. Below are the characteristics of each classification of theft offense.
First-degree felony:
- The amount involved is $500,000 or more
- In the case of theft by receiving stolen property, the property received, retained, or disposed of is a firearm, and the receiver is in the business of buying or selling stolen property
Second-degree felony:
- The offense is committed during a manmade disaster, a natural disaster, or a war-caused disaster
- The property involved is a firearm
- The amount involved is $100,000 or more but less than $500,000
Third-degree felony:
- The amount involved exceeds $2,000
- The property stolen is an automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat, or other motor-propelled vehicle
- In the case of theft by receiving stolen property, if the receiver is in the business of buying or selling stolen property.
First-degree misdemeanor:
- The amount involved is more than $200 but less than $2,000
Second-degree misdemeanor:
- The amount involved is $50 or more but less than $200
Third-degree misdemeanor:
- The amount involved is less than $50
What Are the Penalties for Larceny in PA?
The penalties for each degree of theft are as follows.
- First-degree felony: Fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment up to 20 years
- Second-degree felony: Fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years
- Third-degree felony: Fines up to $15,000 and imprisonment up to 7 years
- First-degree misdemeanor: Fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to 5 years
- Second-degree misdemeanor: Fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment up to 2 years
- Third-degree misdemeanor: Fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment up to 90 days
Because the associated penalties are so severe, it is imperative that you secure skilled legal representation during your theft case.
