Some of the most commonly charged criminal offenses in Media and the rest of Delaware County are property crimes. Such crimes vary greatly, in the value of the property stolen and the way in which they are taken. If you stand accused of a property crime your freedom is at risk. The penalties for these crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, meaning that they could result in many years in prison, high fines, and a long-standing criminal record. You deserve to have your case defended by an experienced criminal defense attorney; one who will fight for your constitutional rights.
If you or someone you care about has been charged of a property crime in Media, PA or anywhere in Delaware County, our experienced violent crime Criminal Law Team is here to help.
Media/Delaware County Property Crime Defense Attorney
Our Criminal Law Team are qualified Media criminal defense attorneys, with nearly two decades of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. We have developed a comprehensive knowledge of how a criminal case operates from start to finish, and beyond.
If you are facing any type of property crime charges in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at the LLF Law Firm. Our Criminal Law Team built our practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and we will fight for your rights and freedom. Call 888-535-3686 today to schedule your consultation and discover what our Criminal Law Team can do to clear your name.
Delaware County Court Process
If arrested in Delaware County for a property crime, your case will be scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the applicable Magisterial District Court. Delaware County. is home to 30 District Courts. If the case proceeds past the preliminary hearing, the case will be scheduled for a formal arraignment at the Court of Common Pleas located at
201 W. Front Street,
Media, PA 19063
The trial process will continue from that point forward often either resulting in the case proceeding to trial or being resolved through plea or dismissal.
Property Crimes in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, a property crime occurs when an individual commits an illegal act against their own or another's property. This can involve:
- theft
- committing fraud to obtain property
- passing bad checks
- trespass on the property belonging to another
Common property crimes Media residents might charged with include:
Common Property Crimes
Arson
- When a person intentionally starts a fire, causes an explosion, or otherwise assists another person in committing this offense
- First or second degree felony
- Sentence will increase to life without parole or the death penalty if loss of life is involved in the act of arson
Bad Check Writing
- When a person writes a check or provides some other payment of money with the knowledge that a closed account, insufficient funds, or any other factor will not allow payment, or if it was counterfeit
- Degree of offense depends on prior offenses and the value of the bad check
- When a person enters a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime within the building
- Excludes buildings that are open to the public at the time of entry or persons authorized to enter the building
- Felony of the first or second degree, depending on the case
- The unauthorized or unprivileged entry and/or occupation of a building or occupied structure with the knowledge that it was unauthorized or unprivileged
- Felony of the second or third degree, depending on the case
- Intentionally, recklessly, or negligently damaging tangible property belonging to someone else, with or without intent to damage the person or property
- Deceiving or threatening another individual into financial loss
- Defacing or damaging tangible public property, or real or personal property of another
- Misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the property
Forgery
- Altering or mimicking the writing of someone else without his or her permission with the intent to defraud or injure
- Degree of offense depends on what document is forged
Identity Theft
- When a person uses or possesses the identification information of another person without his or her consent
- Each use of the information is a separate offense
- Degree of offense depends on priors and value involved in the offense
- Intentionally receiving, keeping, or disposing of another's movable property while knowing or believing the property was stolen
- Degree of offense depends on value of the property
- Taking possession of or removing merchandise from a store with the intent to deprive the store of the merchandise without payment
- Also applies to the alteration or removal of any security devices, tags, or labels with the intent to deprive the store of the merchandise without payment
- Intent of retail theft is presumed if a person intentionally conceals merchandise with the purpose of depriving the store of the merchandise without payment
- Degree of offense depends on value of the property and any priors
- Also known as theft by deception
- When a person obtains or keeps another person's property through deception
- Degree of offense depends on value of the property
How to Defend Your Case in Delaware County
Property convictions threaten your finances and your freedom. These crimes must be treated very seriously in order to avoid serious negative consequences. Some of the most common defenses that an experienced attorney can put forth include:
- Challenging the Commonwealth's Identification of Parties Involved: Depending on the circumstances and other parties who may be involved, your attorney may be able to cast doubt on the law enforcement's identification of you as the person responsible
- Challenging the Commonwealth's Valuation of the Property: The severity of many types of property crimes depends on the value of the property at issue. Your defense attorney may be able to argue that the property has been incorrectly valued.
- Filing a Motion to Suppress: An experienced criminal defense attorney will examine all actions taken by law enforcement officers in a criminal case. The police must take certain precautions every step of the way: from obtaining a warrant to executing a search, their behavior is always governed by the Fourth Amendment. If your attorney finds that the police have violated your rights in any way, it could be the grounds for a Motion to Suppress, which can result in evidence against you being ruled inadmissible.
Working with a Media Property Crime Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a property crime in Delaware County, it is highly recommended that you begin defending your rights and your future with as soon as possible. Our Criminal Law Team is passionate about helping property crimes charges like yours through the system and making sure justice is served on all sides.
For your consultation on our Criminal Law Team at LLF Law Firm can help you, call 888-535-3686 today.
