Young Heroin Addict Avoids Felony Theft Conviction

It’s a sad reality that the legal perils of drug addiction do not only center around drug crimes like possession and selling narcotics. In many cases, those suffering from substance abuse issues may steal or commit other crimes to support their habit and the law punishes them harshly. For example, a 22-year old college student who became dependent on heroin wound up in a devastating situation when he was charged with the felony theft of a family heirloom, belonging to his girlfriend’s mother. This piece of jewelry was valued at over $ 4,000 and if convicted, this young man’s future would become very bleak with a felony theft conviction attached to his permanent criminal record in addition to a painful drug addiction. In desperation, the man and his family came to our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyers at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC to review his available options.

Attorney Matthew Ness did not want to see this young man’s entire life negatively affected by this felony theft charge and he immediately began working towards a favorable outcome. After meeting with all the parties involved, attorney Ness effectively persuaded the prosecution to completely dismiss the theft charge after a full restitution was made to his girlfriend’s family. Once his client’s family compensated the victims, and due in large part to attorney Ness’ advocacy, the young man no longer needed to worry about possible jail time or the weight of a felony theft conviction weighing upon him, so he could focus on seeking treatment for his drug issues.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.