Pennsylvania law gives prosecutors wide authority to charge an individual with theft. A conviction for shoplifting, retail theft, receiving stolen property, or any other theft crime can have a significant impact on your future. Jail or prison time, restitution, and heavy fines are not the only concerns that you may be facing when challenging theft charges. Today, the ability to secure housing, get a job, join the military, and pursue other opportunities is tied to background checks.
Let A Former Police Officer Provide Well-Rounded Analysis of the Theft Charges
At Kalinoski Law Offices P.C. in Scranton, we aggressively defend people throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania who need a focused defense to safeguard their rights. Attorney Craig P. Kalinoski is a skilled trial lawyer with prior experience as a municipal police officer. His combined experience in law enforcement and as a criminal defense lawyer provides us with the tools to comprehensively review the factual and constitutional issues in each case. We thoroughly investigate, review, and challenge theft-related charges to obtain the most favorable outcome possible.
We Prepare Rigorously For Trial
Our approach to the law starts with thorough preparation to build a strong case long before trial. We always remain prepared to go to trial as we fight the evidence and aggressively negotiate to achieve positive results. When a favorable plea arrangement is not available, Attorney Kalinoski knows how to present a compelling defense in trial.
We have the dedication to fight for the rights of clients across the spectrum of theft charges, including:
- Shoplifting
- Retail theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Embezzlement
- Theft by fraud
Burden of Proof: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
In Pennsylvania theft cases, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant unlawfully took, transferred, or exercised control over another person’s property with the intent to deprive the owner of it. An individual may also be found guilty of theft if they knowingly accept stolen property with the intent to not return it to its rightful owner.
Defenses to Theft
If you receive an accusation of theft, there are defenses available to you. These defenses may include:
- Lack of intent to deprive the owner of the property
- Intent to search for the rightful owner
- Age
- Duress
- No one stole the property but rather the owner had lost it
- Entrapment
- Consent
Call Us For Unsurpassed Service And Unrelenting Advocacy
Our legal team steadfastly adheres to the idea that each client deserves our full attention. We provide straightforward guidance concerning all available legal options and aggressive criminal defense representation focused on obtaining the most favorable results. To learn more about how we can help you through a difficult time, send our law firm a message online or call 570-207-4000.