Pennsylvania Criminal & DUI Defense

November 13, 2017By Brian Manchester

Have you or someone you know been charged with Theft by Deception in Pennsylvania? The charge of Theft by Deception in Pennsylvania can have very serious consequences that can include up to ten years in prison and thousands in fines.

In Pennsylvania, theft by deception is an extension of the basic theft statute: the unlawful taking of the property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. Theft by deception expands that definition and adds to it that the defendant intentionally obtained or withheld property of another by deception. A defendant may be found guilty of theft by deception is he or she:

• Creates or reinforces a false impression as to the “law, value, intention or state of mind.”
• Prevents the person from who items were stolen from acquiring information that might affect his or her judgment.
• Fails to correct a false impression “which the deceiver previously created or reinforced.”

The statute specifically states that theft by deception cannot be inferred simply because the defendant failed to perform a promise that was given to the alleged theft victim. Also, the term “deceive” does not include “puffing,” or statements that have “no pecuniary interest.”

The penalties involved depend greatly on the amount of funds or the amount that the items taken are worth. The range is from a Misdemeanor 3 to a Felony 2. Other items taken into account are if there was a firearm involved, whether there were threats made, or if anhydrous ammonia was used.

As you can see Theft by Deception in Pennsylvania is a very serious offense. The results of a conviction are all over the board from a misdemeanor violation to possible felony charges that can result in a decade in prison, to everything else in between. If the police arrest you for Theft by Deception it is very important to be polite but remain silent and request to speak with your lawyer right away. Anything you say can and will be used against you. With so much at risk, it is important that you exercise your constitutional rights from the very beginning.

It is extremely important to contact an experienced law firm right away in you or someone you know is charged with Theft by Deception in Pennsylvania. If you, your son, daughter, or loved one in Pennsylvania has been arrested for a crime in state or federal court in Pennsylvania you need legal representation. Here at Manchester and Associates, we represent people across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For a free consultation, we can be contacted at 1-800-243-4878.

Posted in: Crimes

Tags: Crimes, Theft, Theft By Deception,