Shoplifting Attorney in State College, PA

Retail theft remains one of the most commonly charged offenses across Pennsylvania. According to Pennsylvania State Police crime statistics, thousands of shoplifting cases are prosecuted annually across the state, affecting individuals from all walks of life. A momentary lapse in judgment at a local store can lead to criminal charges that impact your employment, education, and reputation for years to come.

At Terry Hess Law, we passionately defend clients against shoplifting charges in State College and throughout Centre County. We understand that anyone can make a mistake, and we are dedicated to defending your rights and pursuing the best result for you.

What Pennsylvania Law Says About Retail Theft

Pennsylvania law defines shoplifting under Title 18, Section 3929. This statute lists several acts that constitute retail theft, each with serious consequences.

Retail theft includes taking items without paying full price, changing price tags, moving items to pay less, or under-ringing items at self-checkout. Removing security tags to steal also qualifies as retail theft.

The statute extends beyond traditional shoplifting scenarios and covers multiple forms of unlawful conduct in retail settings:

• Taking possession of merchandise without paying the full retail value
• Altering or removing price tags to pay a lower amount than marked
• Transferring merchandise from one container to another to avoid paying full price
• Consuming food or beverages within the store without purchasing them
• Returning stolen merchandise to obtain refunds, gift cards, or store credits

Store employees who help friends or family avoid paying can also be charged under this law.

Penalties You Could Face

Penalties for retail theft in Pennsylvania depend on the value stolen and your prior record. These penalties can escalate and lead to a permanent criminal record.

For first-time offenders, taking merchandise valued at under $150 is a summary offense, carrying a maximum of 90 days in jail and fines up to $300. While this seems minor, a summary conviction still appears on background checks and can affect job applications.

When the merchandise value exceeds $150, or when you have prior retail theft convictions or charges, the offense is elevated to a misdemeanor or a felony. A second offense is a second-degree misdemeanor, with potential penalties of up to 2 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Third and subsequent offenses, or cases involving merchandise worth $1,000 or more, can result in felony charges carrying even harsher sentences.

Beyond criminal penalties, Pennsylvania law allows stores to pursue civil remedies. Retailers can demand civil penalties of up to $300, plus the retail value of the merchandise, from anyone who commits retail theft. This means you could face both criminal prosecution and separate civil lawsuits from the store.

How Shoplifting Charges Affect Your Life

A retail theft conviction causes lasting problems beyond court penalties. These effects can harm your future, both personal and professional.

Employment opportunities become limited with a theft conviction on your record. Many employers conduct background checks and view theft offenses as indicators of dishonesty or poor judgment. Professional licenses in healthcare, education, finance, and other fields may be denied or revoked based on retail theft convictions.

Educational institutions also take these matters seriously. Penn State University and other colleges can impose disciplinary actions ranging from probation to expulsion for students convicted of theft offenses. Academic scholarships and financial aid packages may be revoked, and graduate school applications become significantly more difficult with a criminal record.

Common Defenses in Shoplifting Cases

Every case is different, and defense strategies vary. Prosecutors must prove each part of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and skilled attorneys know how to challenge their evidence.

• Lack of intent serves as a powerful defense in many cases. Perhaps you forgot about an item in your cart or genuinely intended to pay but became distracted. Pennsylvania law requires prosecutors to prove you acted with the specific intent to deprive the store of merchandise or its value.
• Mistaken identity happens more often than people realize. Store security cameras may capture poor-quality images, or loss prevention officers may misidentify suspects in crowded stores. Witnesses make errors, and false accusations occur when stores hastily accuse customers without proper investigation.
• Procedural violations by law enforcement or store security can result in evidence suppression or case dismissal. Police must follow proper protocols during stops, searches, and arrests. When officers violate your constitutional rights, any evidence obtained may be excluded from trial.

Alternative Programs Available in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers several diversionary programs that allow eligible defendants to avoid criminal convictions. These programs focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment and can preserve your clean record.

These alternative programs offer various pathways to resolve your case without a permanent criminal record:

• Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition for first-time offenders with no prior criminal history
• Community service programs that allow you to complete volunteer hours in lieu of prosecution
• Educational classes focused on theft prevention, decision-making, and personal responsibility
• Restitution agreements, where you repay the retail value of the merchandise to the victim
• Juvenile consent decrees specifically designed for young defendants to address underlying issues

Why You Need Legal Representation

Retail theft charges require prompt action by experienced lawyers. The risk is too great to handle alone or to underestimate its consequences.

Attorneys who focus on criminal defense in Centre County are familiar with the local court system, prosecutors, and judges. We regularly handle cases at the State College District Court and the Centre County Court of Common Pleas.

Lawyers can sometimes prevent charges or resolve cases early. We speak with store staff, review evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf.

Preparing for trial means investigating, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing evidence. We challenge the prosecution’s case by questioning the detention and the evidence.

Contact Us Now

Terry Hess Law has defended countless clients facing retail theft charges in State College and throughout Centre County. We provide honest assessments of your case, clear explanations of your options, and aggressive representation to achieve the best possible outcome.

Call us now at 814-880-4377 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation and begin your defense today.