In Pennsylvania, Theft is broken into several categories. The related offense of Receiving Stolen Property is often charged along with the underlying Theft.
Theft and Receiving Stolen Property (RSP) are two sides of the same coin. Theft is the act of taking property that belongs to someone else with the intent to not return it to the owner. Receiving Stolen Property is hanging on to that property, regardless of whether you stole it or someone else did. It is possible to commit RSP without committing Theft, but it is nearly impossible to commit Theft without also committing RSP. This is because a Theft becomes RSP in the moment it is in your hands. In other words, you can’t drop the item fast enough to avoid a RSP charge!
Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft by Deception, Retail Theft. These are all possible charges, and each has specific requirements that the Commonwealth MUST prove in order to convict you. An experienced Theft Defense Attorney will be knowledgable in these requirements, and can help you mount a vigorous defense.
Attorney Justin P. Miller and the Law Office of Justin P. Miller have defended hundreds of theft offenses, ranging in value from an eighty-nine cent juice drink up to over a quarter million dollars in cash.
Contact the Law Office of Justin P. Miller today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case. 814.359.7529. No case is too small – or too big – when it is your freedom on the line.