If you've watched the national or local news, you know that crime rates are rising nationwide, particularly in the larger Philadelphia area. What's happening in Philly isn't just a regional issue but part of a larger trend of increasing crime nationwide. From luxury stores being targeted in smash-and-grab incidents to fast food joints getting held up and convenience stores like 711 facing petty theft daily, robberies have wreaked havoc on retail. A new law in Pennsylvania aims to crack down on crime by increasing the theft thresholds.  

If you are facing charges of theft, burglary, robbery, or shoplifting, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team by calling 888-535-3686 or by using our online contact form.  

New Law in Pennsylvania Aims to Curb Retail Theft 

In response to this crisis, the State Senate has approved a new law that will significantly revise the existing legal thresholds for theft in Pennsylvania. Under the new legislation, the retail value thresholds correlating with second- and third-degree felonies for retail theft have been halved. For instance, theft of merchandise valued between $2,500 and $9,999 is now classified as a third-degree felony, a substantial reduction from the previous $5,000 to $19,999 threshold. Similarly, the range for a second-degree felony is adjusted to $10,000 to $49,999, down from the earlier requirement of over $20,000. The law also introduces a first-degree felony penalty for thefts involving merchandise worth $50,000 or more.  

The law also establishes The Office of Deputy Attorney General for Organized Retail Crime Theft,  consisting of prosecution attorneys dedicated to addressing retail theft across Pennsylvania's districts.  

Types of Theft Crimes  

"Theft" is a widely recognized legal term that refers to the unauthorized taking of someone else's property without their consent. Theft occurs when one person takes another person's property without permission with the intent to permanently deprive them of that property. This general type of theft can be charged at varying degree levels depending on the value of the goods stolen. Regarding retail thefts, shoplifting is a form of theft by unlawful taking that deprives a merchant of their goods. In Pennsylvania, the crime also extends to altering price tags and even interfering with the functionality of a cash register or credit card reader. 

Theft by deception, on the other hand, occurs when the victim party is aware that the goods are in the control of someone else but later learns that the individual obtained possession through deception. Due to the fraudulent component, Theft By Deception can also be accompanied by Identity Theft. In this scenario, a party would deceive the victim party to gain access to a car, hotel, apartment, etc. In this scenario, the crime of forgery could also be involved.  

Pennsylvania Shoplifting and Theft Attorneys  

If you have been charged with a theft-related crime and feel the odds are stacked against you, there is help. Our experienced LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team has years of experience combating theft charges nationwide. For more information on what legal defenses may be available, contact us by calling 888-535-3686 or by using our online contact form.