The Criminal Defense Practice at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees aims to provide vital information to the public about prevalent theft offenses, elder exploitation crimes, and white-collar offenses in the state.
Common Theft Offenses in Pennsylvania:
Theft by Unlawful Taking: This is the common theft offense, which is simply taking the property of another person.
Receiving Stolen Property: It is also a crime to receive property you know, or should know, has been stolen, even if you are not the one who stole it initially.
Theft by Deception: This specific type of theft is when someone takes or keeps the property of another person under false pretenses.
Retail Theft/Shoplifting: Shoplifting involves unlawfully taking merchandise from a retail establishment. Charges may vary based on the value of the stolen items, ranging from summary offenses to felonies.
Auto Theft: Stealing a motor vehicle is a serious offense in Pennsylvania, with penalties ranging from fines to significant imprisonment depending on the circumstances.
Theft offenses vary in severity, usually depending on the value of the property stolen or the type of property (motor vehicle, firearm, etc.).
Common Elder Exploitation Offenses:
Financial Fraud: Elder exploitation often involves financial fraud, where individuals take advantage of elderly individuals for monetary gain. Charges may include theft, fraud, or abuse of power, leading to severe legal consequences.
Power of Attorney Abuse: Abusing a power of attorney granted by an elderly person is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania. Exploiting this authority for personal gain may result in serious criminal charges.
Home Improvement Fraud: This offense occurs when a contractor is paid to do home improvement work at a person’s property and either takes money without completing the work, or misleads the homeowner. This offense is not just related to the elderly, but the penalties are more severe if the homeowner is over the age of sixty.
Common White Collar Crimes:
Embezzlement: Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds entrusted to someone, typically an employee, for personal gain. Charges may range from theft to complex financial crimes.
Identity Theft: Identity theft, the unauthorized use of personal information for fraudulent purposes, is a pervasive issue. Charges in Pennsylvania may lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The Need for Legal Representation:
Navigating Complex Laws: Theft, elder exploitation, and white collar crimes involve intricate legal nuances. Legal representation ensures a comprehensive understanding of the laws relevant to your case.
Building a Robust Defense: An experienced attorney can assess the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and construct a strong defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of your situation.
Negotiating Favorable Outcomes: Attorneys skilled in these areas can negotiate with prosecutors to pursue reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or other favorable outcomes, mitigating potential consequences.
Why Choose Unruh Turner Burke & Frees:
Local Insight: Our Criminal Defense Practice possesses a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s legal landscape and the unique dynamics of Chester County. This local insight allows us to provide effective, tailored, and context-aware legal representation.
Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize clear communication and collaboration, ensuring that your concerns are addressed at every stage of the legal process. Our client-centered approach is designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
If you find yourself facing theft offenses, elder exploitation charges, or white-collar crimes in West Chester, Phoenixville or other areas of Chester County Pennsylvania, understanding the legal landscape and seeking quality legal representation is crucial. Our firm is committed to providing the knowledge and experience needed to navigate these complexities successfully. Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and let us help you protect your rights and build a robust defense for your future.