how much will a criminal defense attorney cost me for retail theft in pennsylvania

There are defenses against the charges. If you are judged guilty this could cost you as much as $10,000.00. Call me and I can give you more options and advise you on the best course of action.

Full Answer

Is retail theft a felony in Pennsylvania?

Sep 20, 2019 · This carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $300 fine. If the person charged has one prior retail theft offense and the value of the merchandise is less than $150, retail theft is a misdemeanor of the 2nd degree. This carries a maximum penalty of 2 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

Pennsylvania Retail Theft Penalties. Retail theft is charged as a third degree felony in cases where: The value of merchandise involved is over $2000; or; The item stolen is a car/automobile, or a firearm/gun; It is a third (3rd) or subsequent retail theft offense. A Felony in the third degree (Felony 3), has a maximum penalty of up to 7 years ...

How to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Pennsylvania?

Third or subsequent offense, regardless of value; or value more than $1,000; or retail theft involving a firearm or motor vehicle Grading: Felony 3 Maximum Prison: 7 years Maximum Fine: $15,000 Know Your Rights. As you can see, when facing a theft charge in PA, the stakes are high. A theft conviction can rob you of your freedom for years to come.

What are the penalties for shoplifting in Pennsylvania?

Jun 19, 2019 · For example, if your attorney’s hourly rate is $400 per hour, you will be billed $200.00 for a half hour of work. The hourly rates charged by Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys cover a broad spectrum. Generally speaking, more experienced attorneys will charge a higher hourly rate. Larger firms also tend to charge a higher hourly rate.

How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Pennsylvania?

The typical lawyer in Pennsylvania charges between $199 and $354 per hour....How much do lawyers charge in Pennsylvania?Practice TypeAverage Hourly RateCorporate$311Criminal$199Employment/Labor$321Family$26217 more rows

How much retail theft is a felony in PA?

If the person charged has two or more prior retail theft offenses, the value of the merchandise is $1000 or more, or if the merchandise is a firearm or motor vehicle, retail theft is a felony of the 3rd degree.

What is the penalty for retail theft in Pennsylvania?

Penalties for Shoplifting in Pennsylvania Summary offense (first offenses involving merchandise valued at less than $150): Up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300. Second-degree misdemeanor (second offense involving merchandise valued at less than $150); Up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.28 May 2021

How much is a local criminal defense attorney?

Typically, you can expect to pay $150 to $700 an hour for a criminal defense lawyer's time. With an hourly fee structure, it is not uncommon for legal bills to get into the $10,000 to $15,000 range quickly. A lawyer who works on an hourly rate may also require the payment of a retainer fee.18 Mar 2019

Can you go to jail for retail theft in PA?

A third-degree penalty for retail theft in Pennsylvania is punishable by up to seven years in prison, according to the Pennsylvania Code section 15.66, and a fine of up to $15,000. A summary offense, on the other hand, is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300.

What are the two types of shoplifting offenses?

In many states, shoplifting is charged and punished as a theft or larceny offense—usually as petty or misdemeanor theft, if the value of the merchandise stolen falls below a certain threshold (say $200, for example).

Can retail theft be expunged in PA?

Under Pennsylvania law, you have the right to petition for the expungement of a retail theft summary offense after a waiting period of five (5) years.

Does Walmart always press charges for shoplifting?

Typically, Walmart doesn't press charges or detain those caught shoplifting when the value of the items stolen is less than $25.

What is the statute of limitations on shoplifting in PA?

WHAT IS THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS? A prosecution for retail theft must be commenced within five years after it is committed.

How much does a private attorney cost?

A. The minimum for an hourly consultation is around PHP 1,000.00 outside of Metro Manila and PHP 2,500.00 in Metro Manila. The rate only goes higher depending on the lawyer. There is no standard rate for an hourly consultation so it is best to ask for the consultation fee before booking a consultation.

What is the meaning of retainer fee?

A retainer fee is an amount of money paid upfront to secure the services of a consultant, freelancer, lawyer, or other professional. A retainer fee is most commonly paid to individual third parties that have been engaged by the payer to perform a specific action on their behalf.

How much is a lawyer?

You can pay anywhere from $50 to thousands per hour. Smaller towns and cities generally cost less while heavily populated, urban areas are most expensive. The more complicated the case and the more experienced the attorney, the more you'll pay. Lawyer fees can range from $255 to $520 per hour.

How much is retail theft?

If a person charged has no prior retail theft offenses, and the value of the merchandise is less than $150, retail theft is a summary offense. This carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $300 fine.

What happens if you get charged with retail theft?

Depending on the circumstances, the potential penalties can range in seriousness from a small fine to years in prison. However, regardless of the initial penalty, a record of conviction for even the most minor retail theft can have a devastating impact on a person’s future.

What are the two types of theft in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, retail theft can broadly be divided into two categories: Retail theft by taking, and retail theft by fraud. While the penalties are the same for each, the proof required for each can be very different.

Can you be ordered to pay restitution for lost merchandise?

In addition to the above penalties, a person convicted of retail theft may also be ordered to pay restitution for any lost merchandise. This would occur if and only if that person is actually convicted of the offense in a criminal court.

What is retail theft in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Retail Theft Penalties. Retail theft is charged as a third degree felony in cases where: The value of merchandise involved is over $2000; or. The item stolen is a car/automobile, or a firearm/gun; It is a third (3rd) or subsequent retail theft offense.

What is the penalty for retail theft?

Retail theft is charged as a second degree misdemeanor in cases where the defendant is accused of a second offense retail theft charge, and the value of the item taken is less than $150. A 2nd degree misdemeanor (Misdemeanor 2) has a maximum penalty of up to 3 years in prison.

How long is a 3rd degree theft charge?

It is a third (3rd) or subsequent retail theft offense. A Felony in the third degree (Felony 3), has a maximum penalty of up to 7 years in prison. Retail theft is charged as a first degree misdemeanor in cases where the value of the item taken is greater than $150.

Is shoplifting a felony in Pennsylvania?

Under Penns ylvania criminal laws, Retail Theft (aka shoplifting) can be a serious felony criminal offense, and requires quality, experienced legal counsel to help defend against the charges. Depending on the value of the property stolen, and prior offenses, it may be a felony or misdemeanor offense (see below), but any criminal charge is serious, ...

What happens if you get charged with theft in Pennsylvania?

If you’ve been charged with theft in Pennsylvania, the stakes are high. With theft charges, depending on the method of theft and the value of items taken, you could be facing heavy fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Contact a skilled PA theft lawyer now. Time is of the essence. Most theft charges are not black and white.

What does theft mean in law?

the unlawful seizure or deprivation of movable property; or transfer or exercise of control of immovable property with intent to benefit one’s self. In other simpler terms, the government has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt: Most of the time, what the police call theft is simply a misunderstanding or a mistake.

Can you take theft charges for granted?

You cannot take theses charges for granted. There is so much on the line beyond the instant threat of jail, probation, fines, costs and restitution. If you are convicted of any theft offense, for life that conviction follows you. It will stop you from getting the job of your dreams.

Is theft a black and white charge?

Most theft charges are not black and white. Some are incredibly complex involving a long history. The police infrequently look to sort it out. They just charge folks with theft charges and “let the court sort it out.”. That’s wrong.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer charge per hour?

Typically, you can expect to pay $150 to $700 an hour for a criminal defense lawyer’s time. With an hourly fee structure, it is not uncommon for legal bills to get into the $10,000 to $15,000 range quickly.

How does income affect criminal defense costs?

There are several factors that can affect the overall costs of a criminal case, including: Defendant’s Income: Your income determines whether you are eligible for a court-appointed attorney, or whether you need to hire your own attorney.

What is hourly fee?

Hourly fees are by far the most common type of fee arrangement utilized by criminal defense attorneys. As discussed above, attorneys often feel that flat fee arrangements are not a dependable way of measuring the various factors and costs associated with representing a client facing criminal charges.

Why do attorneys not agree to flat fee?

Further, many attorneys will not agree to a flat fee arrangement, due to the varying nature of the criminal process. An attorney may also have a clause in a flat fee arrangement that allows them to increase the flat fee, should the case proceed to trial.

What are the consequences of hiring a criminal lawyer?

These may include jail time, creation of a criminal record, monetary fines, loss of future employment opportunities, or more. Therefore, it is often in your best interests to find and hire an experienced and well qualified criminal defense attorney to assist you with your charges.

What does a criminal defense attorney do?

At a minimum, a criminal defense attorney will ensure that the charges brought against you are appropriate, given the facts of the case and advocate on your behalf to receive the lowest possible penalty. The criminal procedure process is a complex matter, and the nuances of the differences of criminal charges are even more complex.

What is the difference between petty theft and grand theft?

The difference between the values is the difference between petty theft, which carries a misdemeanor charge, and grand theft which carries a felony charge. While a person has the right to proceed in their own defense, even experienced criminal lawyers will admit to not wanting to defend themselves.

How much does a criminal defense attorney charge per hour?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per hour to hire a criminal defense lawyer according to CostHelper. For example, Thumbtack says, “ if an attorney has a $200 hourly fee, he or she may require a 10-hour retainer fee of $2,000 ”

How much does a lawyer charge for a misdemeanor?

If you face a misdemeanor charge and the lawyer charges a flat fee, expect to pay somewhere between $1,500-$3,500. If going to trial is a possibility, you can expect the fee to be between $3,000-$5,000.

How much does a first degree felony cost?

TheLawMan says, “ most will agree that the cost for a first-degree felony is at least $10,000, often more. For the most experienced lawyers, you should expect to pay between $35,000 and $100,000 or even more .”.

How much does a lawyer cost?

A lawyer costs about $2,000 to $3,000 for a misdemeanor. According to Nolo, “ a defendant charged with a misdemeanor that goes to trial should not be surprised by a legal fee in the neighborhood of $2,000–$3,000; an attorney may want an advance of around $2,500, and $1,000 per day of trial in a felony case .”.

How much does a psychologist charge for a defense?

Expert witnesses and investigators require an average retainer fee of $2,500 and they may charge in excess of $300 per hour. Attorney’s Fees – Attorney’s fees vary depending on several different factors.

What factors to consider when assessing the overall costs of a criminal case?

There are many factors to consider when assessing the overall costs of a criminal case: Investigators and Expert Witnesses – Very often criminal cases have multiple and complex issues that require expert witnesses and/or investigators. To demonstrate, a defense attorney may hire the services of someone who specializes in chemical testing ...

Do attorneys charge by the hour?

Some attorneys and those who are already well known in their practice area will often charge by the hour to their clients as opposed to using a flat rate fee. Additionally, if an appropriate flat fee cannot be determined because or the complexity of a case, the attorney may decide to charge an hourly rate instead .

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

How much are criminal defense attorney fees? On average, a criminal defense attorney costs $200 an hour, but how much you’ll pay can vary greatly depending on your case. Some clients pay $100 to $150 an hour, and others pay more than $300 to $350 an hour.

How to save money on legal fees?

The best way to make sure you save money on legal fees is to discuss payment plan options with your attorney. Your defense lawyer may be willing to work with you to develop a billing plan or charge you one flat fee for your case.

What is retainer in a defense case?

This is an up-front advance payment that the attorney will draw from to cover your legal fees as the work is completed. Retainers can vary, depending on the lawyer’s hourly rate and the complexity of the case.

Why is it important to hire a lawyer?

If you’ve been arrested or are facing prosecution for a crime, it’s important to hire a defense attorney who can guide you through the legal process, explain your rights and options, and defend your case. It’s often best to hire a lawyer as soon as you’ve been accused of a crime to ensure your rights are protected.

Can a misdemeanor be a felony?

Misdemeanor and felony charges vary by state, but generally, a defendant charged with a misdemeanor likely won’t pay as much as someone who needs legal representation for a felony.

Can a defense lawyer charge a fee?

Your defense lawyer may be willing to work with you to develop a billing plan or charge you one flat fee for your case. Although an attorney may be willing to structure a payment plan, be aware that defense lawyers aren’t typically allowed to charge contingent fees for a criminal case.

Is hourly billing the only fee structure a criminal defense attorney might use?

Hourly billing is not the only fee structure a criminal defense attorney might use. Although it’s not as common, some defense lawyers might charge fixed flat fees for certain criminal cases, such as a DWI or a simple infraction.

Why do I need a lawyer if I don't hire a lawyer?

First of all, how can you have possibly been proven guilty already when your court date is still in the future?! Secondly, if you do not hire a lawyer, you are guaranteed to have a crime of moral turpitude on your record, so say good by to any good jobs when you graduate. You will absolutely need a lawyer if you even wish to minimize the consequences, like reducing the charge, or earning a dismissal in some kind of negotiated settlement.

What does it mean when you are proven guilty?

If you have been proven guilty, then that means there are no criminal charges or record of conviction after a trial acquitting you, so what do you need a lawyer for?

What is a deferred judgment?

You should be sure to try and get a plea agreement called a "deferred judgment." This will help ensure that you can have your record sealed later. This result may be hard to get, so that you should hire a lawyer.

Can you be found guilty of a crime if you have no record?

Until you have pled guilty or been found guilty by a jury, you are not guilty. Get an attorney he may be able to get you a deal where you end up with no record. This could limit your career options otherwise.

Does the court keep bail money?

The court does not keep the bail money if you appear for your court dates. There is a compromise of misdemeanor that can keep an offense off a record and a SOC can often result in a dismissal and there may be factual and legal defenses in your case. You may save money now by representing yourself but a lawyer may get you a favorable result which is important in today's job market since a lot of employers do background checks.

Can you be charged with petty theft?

Bail is usually not charged for a first offense petty theft. Usually just a ticket is given by the police with a promise to appear. If the case was grand theft, over $1000, then it can be charged as a felony or misdemeanour and while you may be released on O.R., it would take longer. So the seriousness of the case depends on the amount of property taken or whether there were "burglary tools" taken into the stores, such as "booster bags", or wire cutters to remove sensors. Then the case can be charged as a burglary. If it appears as though you and your friend worked together to take or conceal items, then you will bear charged jointly with her. Yes you should get an attorney. With a 4.0, this can be much worse on a career than having a 2.0 GPA in school.

Do you have to have a lawyer if you have a lifetime criminal record?

You have not been proven guilty, as you have not been tried. A lawyer is a must if you want to assure you will not have a lifetime criminal record.