• Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
  • Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Free Consultation – Se Habla Español
CALL 24/7 – 570-846-2819
Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm
  • Home
  • About
    • William D. Thompson
  • Practice Areas
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI
    • Drug Crimes
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sex Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Assault
    • Theft Crimes
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Traffic Offenses
    • Immigration
    • Personal Injury
    • Diversionary Court Program
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Named A Top 100 Trial Lawyer
By The National Trial Lawyers
  1. Home
  2.  — 
  3. Theft Crimes
  4.  — 
  5. Small Theft, Big Consequences

Small Theft, Big Consequences

On Behalf of Thompson Law | Sep 9, 2019 | Theft Crimes

Sometimes a person falls on hard times and might take an object or two from a store to make it through the day. The items might not cost a lot of money – a $3.00 loaf of bread or a $6.00 package of socks – but the consequences of taking something without paying for it are profound.

Misdemeanor Charges and Penalties

In Pennsylvania, if a person intentionally removes something from an establishment to deprive the owner of the item and use it for their own benefit, they could be charged with an offense. For a first-time retail theft crime involving an item valued at less than $150, the person could face a summary offense.

The level increases to a second-degree misdemeanor when the stolen merchandise is worth less than $150 and the person has a prior retail theft conviction. If the item is valued at $150 or more and the person commits a first or second offense, they could face a first-degree misdemeanor charge.

In Pennsylvania, the penalties for a misdemeanor conviction are steep. A second-degree misdemeanor results in up to 2 years incarceration and up to $5,000 in fines. Which means that if a person took a $1.30 bottle of baby oil from a store, they could face a monetary penalty that is nearly 5000 times the amount of the item.

A first-degree misdemeanor conviction results in incarceration of up to 5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Felony Charge Regardless of Item Value

If a person has two prior retail theft convictions, they could be charged with a third-degree felony, regardless of the item’s value. The punishments for this level of offense include a prison sentence of up to 7 years and a fine of up to $15,000. Whether a person stole a $2,000 computer or a $8.00 pack of dog food, if they were found guilty of this offense before, they are looking at some severe consequences.

Discuss Your Case During a Free Consultation with the Law Offices of William D. Thompson

A felony conviction can dramatically affect your future. Having a criminal record could make it difficult to get a job, find housing, or qualify for government benefits. If you’re facing a theft crime charge, speak with our attorney as soon as possible. When you retain our services, we will begin building a legal strategy on your behalf to fight charges and work toward minimizing the effects of a conviction on your life.

For seasoned defense, call us at 570-846-2819 or contact us online.

Recent Posts

  • Is it a felony to misuse prescription drugs in Pennsylvania?
  • Your rights and qualifications in Veterans Court
  • What happens to first-time DUI offenders in Scranton, Pennsylvania?
  • 3 collateral consequences of pleading guilty to domestic violence
  • Do DUI arrests increase during warmer weather?

Categories

  • Assault
  • Criminal Defense
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • DUI
  • Family Law
  • Homicide
  • Personal Injury
  • Theft Crimes
  • Traffic Offenses
  • Veterans Court Program

Archives

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

Thompson Law provides the one-on-one attention your case deserves.

Request Your Free Consultation Now – Available 24/7

Thompson Law | A Criminal Defense Firm

Contact Us

Telephone

570-846-2819

Fax

570-587-3847

Address

604 North State St
Suite 1
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Clarks Summit Office

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow

© 2025 Thompson Law • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

Review The Firm
Review The Firm

© 2025 Thompson Law • All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw

 570-846-2819
 Email