If you’re facing a theft charge, you may need legal guidance. We can help you protect your record, limit penalties, and find a path forward in the local courts. Talk to a Beaver County theft crimes lawyer. Call 724-488-7572 or contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
What Theft Charges Do We Defend?
There are several types of theft cases in Pennsylvania. In Beaver County, the exact charge depends on what the Commonwealth claims happened and what was stolen. Some cases involve shoplifting from a local store, while others focus on property transfers, service theft, or financial misconduct.
Our team defends clients against the full range of theft offenses, from minor summary shoplifting to complex felony allegations. It’s important to understand the charges against you so you know what to expect. Here are some of the most common charges we handle:
Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition (18 Pa.C.S. § 3921)
This charge applies when someone is accused of taking or exercising control over another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. The property may be movable, such as electronics or clothing, or immovable, such as real estate or land interests.
The severity of the charge depends on the value of what was taken. This charge can range from a low-level misdemeanor to a felony carrying years in prison if the value of the stolen goods is high.
Receiving Stolen Property (18 Pa.C.S. § 3925)
A person can be charged with this offense if they are found to have possessed, purchased, or resold property that they knew—or reasonably should have known—was stolen. This often arises in situations involving secondhand sales, trades, or informal purchases.
Like other theft offenses, the grading depends on the property’s value, and cases involving high-dollar items can be prosecuted as felonies.
Theft of Services (18 Pa.C.S. § 3926)
This offense involves obtaining services without paying for them, such as utilities, cable television, transportation, or lodging. The charge may also involve the use of devices or other methods to avoid detection or to gain unauthorized access to those services.
Penalties range from fines to potential jail time, and more serious consequences may apply if the unpaid services are worth a significant amount.
Retail Theft / Shoplifting (18 Pa.C.S. § 3929)
Retail theft occurs when someone takes merchandise from a store without paying, alters or removes price tags, or avoids a checkout register.
The grading of this charge depends on the value of the items and the person’s prior record. A first offense for an item under $150 may be handled as a summary offense, but repeat offenses or thefts over certain amounts can quickly escalate to misdemeanors or felonies. In fact, even a third offense involving a low-value item can be charged as a felony carrying the possibility of several years in prison.
In addition to these common offenses, we also defend charges such as theft by deception (using false pretenses to obtain property), embezzlement or failure to make required disposition (misusing funds that were entrusted to you), access device fraud and identity theft (misusing cards or personal credentials), and organized retail theft (coordinating or managing a scheme to steal merchandise for resale).
How Are Theft Penalties Decided?
Pennsylvania grades theft mainly by the value of the stolen goods involved. For example, most thefts over $2,000 are felonies, thefts $50–$200 are typically misdemeanors of the second degree, and thefts under $50 are misdemeanors of the third degree.
Theft Penalties & Consequences in Beaver County
Below is a simple chart outlining theft penalties. Your actual exposure will depend on your prior record, the charge type, the value of the stolen goods, and any enhancements (like using a weapon, gang involvement, or repeat charges).
Theft Under $50
- Typical Grade: Misdemeanor 3 (M3)
- Possible Penalties: Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,500
Theft $50–<$200
- Typical Grade: Misdemeanor 2 (M2)
- Possible Penalties: Up to 2 years in jail and fines up to $5,000
Theft Over $2,000 (not involving a firearm)
- Typical Grade: Felony 3 (F3)
- Possible Penalties: Up to 7 years’ imprisonment and fines up to $15,000
Theft $100,000–<$500,000
- Typical Grade: Felony 2 (F2)
- Possible Penalties: Up to 10 years in prison and higher fines
Theft ≥$500,000
- Typical Grade: Felony 1 (F1)
- Possible Penalties: Up to 20 years in prison and higher fines
Retail Theft (18 Pa.C.S. § 3929) – First Offense, Less than $150
- Typical Grade: Summary offense
- Possible Penalties: Fine, potential short jail time in rare cases, civil demand from retailer
Retail Theft – Second Offense, Less than $150
- Typical Grade: Misdemeanor 2 (M2)
- Possible Penalties: Up to 2 years in jail
Retail Theft – First or Second Offense, $150 or More
- Typical Grade: Misdemeanor 1 (M1)
- Possible Penalties: Up to 5 years in jail
Retail Theft – Third Offense (Any Amount)
- Typical Grade: Felony 3 (F3)
- Possible Penalties: Up to 7 years in prison
Other Considerations
The impact of a theft charge goes beyond the courtroom. A conviction can make it harder to get a job, keep a professional license, rent housing, or qualify for financial aid. Even a first shoplifting offense can show up on background checks for years.
Theft cases also carry hidden expenses. You may be responsible for fines, restitution, and even a “civil demand” (the store demanding additional money). These costs add up quickly.
Hiring a lawyer can save you money by reducing penalties, protecting your record, and helping you avoid collateral consequences. Worgul, Sarna & Ness may be able to secure a dismissal, a reduction, or entry into Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD).
Understanding The Beaver County Legal Process
Every case is unique, but most theft matters in Beaver County follow a predictable path. Understanding the steps helps you take control and avoid mistakes.
Investigation & Charges
Sometimes police make an arrest at the store. Other times, a detective files a complaint after reviewing video or receipts. You may then receive a notice for a preliminary arraignment at a local Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) court. These MDJ courts handle first appearances for misdemeanors and felonies.
At this stage, our attorneys begin by reviewing the complaint, examining any police reports or store records, and preparing you for what to expect at your first appearance.
Preliminary Hearing
At your preliminary hearing, the Commonwealth must show probable cause to hold the case for the Court of Common Pleas. This is also the first opportunity to test the strength of the evidence, negotiate, or in some cases, seek withdrawal or reduction of charges.
Our team uses this hearing to cross-examine witnesses, challenge unreliable evidence, and preserve testimony that can help later in your case. We also advise you on whether it makes sense to negotiate or push forward.
Formal Arraignment & Pre-Trial
If the case is “held for court,” it proceeds to the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas (Beaver County Courthouse, 810 Third St., Beaver, PA 15009). At this stage, you’ll be formally advised of the charges again, enter a plea, and exchange discovery materials.
Our role includes filing motions to suppress improper evidence, reviewing surveillance or store records for inconsistencies, and negotiating with prosecutors. We also explore diversionary programs or reduced charges while continuing to build a strong trial defense.
What Are the Possible Outcomes of The Process Up to This Point?
Dismissal/Withdrawal
When the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof or major evidence problems exist, we press for outright dismissal. We highlight weaknesses in the evidence, such as unclear video footage or unreliable witness statements.
Negotiated Reduction
Often, we negotiate charges down to a lower grade—such as summary retail theft—or even to a non-theft offense. We use your background, employment, or lack of prior record to push for the best possible resolution.
ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition)
This program is available for certain first-time, non-violent offenders. If you qualify, we guide you through the process, make sure you understand the program’s requirements, and ensure your record can later be expunged. We also advocate for your admission to ARD when prosecutors may be hesitant.
Trial
If you are innocent or the plea offer is unacceptable, we are prepared to take the case to trial. We carefully prepare by challenging the prosecution’s witnesses, presenting favorable evidence, and creating a strategy tailored to your situation.
Beaver County Courts, Resources, and Contacts
These are some of the resources and contacts you may need if you’re facing a theft charge in Beaver County. Always confirm your details before visiting or scheduling an appointment.
Beaver County Courthouse / Court of Common Pleas
Address: 810 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009
Courthouse Phone: 724-728-5700 | Administration Phone: 724-770-4700
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Website: Beaver County Courts
Notes: Departments include Court Administration, Clerk of Courts, Adult Probation, District Attorney, and more.
Clerk of Courts (criminal filings & records)
Address: 810 Third Street, Building B, Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-770-4590
Website: Beaver Clerk Of Courts
Magisterial District Judges
Website: Magisterial District Judges
Notes: Your MDJ depends on your location. Find the full directory on the website.
Beaver County District Attorney
Address: 810 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-773-8550
Website: Beaver County District Attorney
Beaver County Jail
Address: 6000 Woodlawn Boulevard, Aliquippa, PA 15001
Phone: 724-378-8177
Website: Beaver County Jail
Pennsylvania State Police — Troop D, Beaver Station
Address: 3800 Dutch Ridge Road, Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-773-7400 | TTY: 724-773-7335
Website: PSP Troop D – Beaver Station
Beaver Borough Police (non-emergency)
Address: 469 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-773-6709
Website: Beaver Police Department
Beaver Valley Regional Police
Address: 803 1st Avenue, Conway, PA 15027
Non-Emergency: 724-775-0881 | Office: 724-869-9530
Website: Beaver Valley Regional Police Department
Notes: Serves Baden, Conway, Freedom, and Rochester Township.
Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Your Beaver County Theft Case
We represent good people who found themselves in bad situations. With a Beaver office at 336 College Ave., Suite 201, we’re familiar with the local courts, attorneys, and legal expectations. We know when to act, what motions to file, and how to negotiate effectively in Beaver County.
How We Approach Theft Cases:
As soon as we take your case, we gather all available evidence, including video footage, receipts, police reports, and witness lists. We also request preservation of store surveillance and carefully review loss-prevention procedures to see if mistakes were made.
Defense strategy
We analyze whether your stop or detention inside the store was lawful, whether witness or camera identification is reliable, and whether the value of the items was calculated correctly. We also challenge whether the Commonwealth can prove “intent to permanently deprive” and whether charges were improperly combined or escalated.
Resolution focus
Our first priority is to push for dismissals, charge reductions, or admission into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. If trial becomes the best option, we prepare a strong courtroom defense and are ready to fight for you.
Collateral protection
We look beyond the case itself by planning for possible expungement, which can completely clear your record, or record-sealing options that restrict who can view your case history. We advise you on how a theft charge could affect your employment, housing opportunities, or professional licensing, then take appropriate steps to protect your future.
Client benefits:
- We have local knowledge of judges, prosecutors, and how theft charges are handled in Beaver County.
- We provide clear communication and explain every step of the legal process in plain English.
- We present actionable options with pros and cons so you can make informed decisions about your future.
- We remain available to answer urgent questions quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft in Beaver County
Is retail theft in Pennsylvania a felony?
Sometimes. A third retail theft offense is a felony of the third degree regardless of value. Higher values or special circumstances can increase grading and penalties. We’ll assess your record and the alleged amount to target a reduction or alternative outcome.
Can I get ARD for a first-time theft in Beaver County?
Often, yes, but it depends on the facts and your background. We’ll evaluate your eligibility and handle the application process. If you are accepted and complete the program, the charge can be dismissed and later removed from your record through expungement.
What happens at my preliminary hearing at an MDJ court?
It’s a probable-cause screening, not a trial. The judge decides whether the case should be “held for court.” It’s also a key leverage point for negotiations, discovery, and strategy. We’ll be there to protect you and challenge weak evidence.
How much trouble am I in if the item was worth less than $50?
Value matters. Under $50 is typically a misdemeanor of the third degree, but other facts can raise the grade. Even a low-value case can have big collateral effects. Our goal is to keep a conviction off your record when possible.
Will this stay on my record forever?
A conviction can appear on background checks indefinitely. If we secure ARD and you complete it, your case can be dismissed and later expunged according to county procedures. We’ll map out the record-clearing steps.
What Area Do We Serve in Beaver County?
We defend theft cases across the county, including:
- Beaver
- Aliquippa
- Beaver Falls
- Center Township
- Hopewell Township
- Monaca
- Chippewa
- Ambridge
- Rochester
- New Brighton
- Economy Borough
- Brighton Township
and nearby communities.
Worgul, Sarna & Ness represents clients across Western Pennsylvania. If your case is in Lawrence, Butler, Washington, or Allegheny County, we can help there, too.
What Should I Do Next?
- Step 1: Schedule a free consultation. Share your side of the story right away and bring any paperwork or notices you’ve received.
- Step 2: Preserve the evidence. Act quickly to request store video, police reports, and witness information before it disappears.
- Step 3: Understand your legal options. Learn whether your case is best positioned for dismissal, reduction, or entry into ARD.
- Step 4: Think ahead. Work to protect your record. Ask us if expungement or record-sealing fits your situation.
Don’t Face a Theft Charge Alone. Call a Beaver County Theft Crimes Lawyer
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, we bring more than 25 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case. Our Beaver County attorneys have successfully handled everything from shoplifting to serious felony trials.
With over 300 five-star client reviews and a proven record in both trial and negotiation, we know how to protect your rights and your future. Call 724-488-7572 or send a message now to speak with an attorney.
