Property Crime Lawyers in Lancaster, PA

Avoiding A Criminal Record

Property crimes can vary. Obviously the consequences for stealing a bottle of nail polish will be different than those for stealing a car or breaking into someone’s house. All property crimes come with penalties for conviction, however, and all of them can have a negative impact on your life. For example, outside of potential jail time, restitution and probation, you will now have a criminal record. This record might ultimately limit your job or housing opportunities in the future. If you are facing any of these charges, it’s important to have a lawyer on your side to protect your rights and defend your freedom.

Robbery Vs. Burglary

Often, popular culture confuses the terms robbery and burglary. In Pennsylvania, these are two very distinct offenses.

• Burglary: If a person enters a building intending to commit a crime — unless the premises are open to the public at the time of entry — that person can be charged with burglary. Intent is a strong factor in the charge of burglary. And depending on whether there was anyone at home at the time of the incident, as well as the type of building — home, business, or abandoned property — there can be different penalties.
• Robbery: This involves the use of force or threat of force during a theft. If that force results in bodily injury or serious bodily injury to another person, this can significantly change the penalties for a conviction, which can include jail time, fines, restitution, community service, or probation.

At Marinaro Law, we can carefully examine what happened and provide honest answers and clear direction regarding how best to proceed with your case. It is our goal to limit your exposure to these consequences and move you toward a beneficial resolution in the most efficient manner possible. Often, we will negotiate with the prosecutor’s office to reach a plea agreement or reduce the charges.

Retail Theft

Depending on the monetary value of the items in question and your prior history, retail theft can have devastating consequences upon conviction. It is crucial to seek the legal advice and defense of a skilled shoplifting attorney. 

In Pennsylvania, the first retail theft offense is generally a summary offense. The second offense is generally a misdemeanor. The third offense is a felony, regardless of the value of the item. Each offense carries a specific set of penalties. 

Call Our Firm Today

We understand that facing criminal charges can be stressful and overwhelming. But the sooner you get the protection and counsel you need from an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the better. To discuss your situation in detail, call our Lancaster office at 717-397-7055 or toll free at 866-614-6520, or email us for more information.