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Our Philadelphia criminal lawyers have over 25 years
of combined legal practice – handling some of the
toughest cases in the country.

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SKA Law is a premier, Philadelphia criminal defense law firm, founded by professional criminal attorneys. We take on cases other law firms turn down, because we know how to fight – and when to negotiate. Our goal is to get you the best outcome possible. No fluff. No nonsense. Our focus is results.

Bucks County Shoplifting Attorney

Theft and shoplifting in Pennsylvania are considered separate offenses. According to Pennsylvania law 18 Pa.C.S.A., shoplifting is a retail crime. It is unlawful to take or transfer any merchandise in a retail entity with the intent to permanently deprive the merchant. This means you are accused of taking items belonging to a merchant with the intent to prevent them from the use and benefit of it. The use and benefit include selling it to a paying customer.

Shoplifting Penalties in Bucks County

In Bucks County, penalties for shoplifting depend on the value of the merchandise allegedly stolen. A shoplifting charge is usually a misdemeanor crime. However, the Buck County prosecutors can also increase the charge to a felony. The penalties and sentencing are:

•Third degree shoplifting misdemeanor is taking property valued under $150. You face 90 days in jail and $300 fine.
•Second degree shoplifting misdemeanor is taking property value under $150. However, you have one prior offense. You face two years behind bars and pay $5,000 fine.
•First degree shoplifting misdemeanor is taking property value higher than $150. If the property is valued under that amount, you can be charged with this degree if you have more than one prior offense. You face five years behind bars and must pay $10,000 fine.

The felony shoplifting charge is in the third degree. You can be charged with a felony shoplifting regardless of the property amount if this is your third shoplifting offense. You can also be charged if you take merchandise valued at $1,000 or more or if the item is a firearm or a vehicle. You face seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

When determining whether you will be charged with a higher offense because of prior offenses the Commonwealth takes specific things into consideration. For example, it includes any conviction and any accelerated rehabilitation disposition that occurred prior to sentencing for the current shoplifting charge.

Prosecutors Must Prove You are Guilty of Shoplifting

In Bucks County, prosecutors must use elements outlined in the Commonwealth’s statute to prove your guilt. This means that to prove to the jury that you’re guilty they can’t mere suggest you unlawful took a merchant’s property with the intent to keep it. They must use evidence to show you did one or more of the following:

1. You removed or changed the price tags or labels on the item
2. You took possession of an item or carried it away without paying the full retail value of the item
3. You transferred the merchandise into the new box or container to avoid paying the full value listed on the item.
4. You manipulated the merchant’s cash register, so the item would not ring up the full value price listed
5. You tampered with security devices on the item to take the item or not pay full value price

Remember, they can use evidence to prove one of the above occurred in your case. However, they must prove beyond all reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. You have plenty of defenses to challenge Commonwealth prosecutors’ case against you. One defense is mistake of fact. Other defenses for shoplifting include, but are not limited to an alibi and innocence.

Contact Our Law Firm Immediately about Your Shoplifting Charge

Many of the celebrities charge with shoplifting make it seem as though it’s not a serious charge. It is a serious charge. Bucks County takes shoplifting extremely serious whether you’re a celebrity or not. This means that if you or your loved one is charge with a shoplifting crime, you must have a strong defense team.
We will guide you through the court system. Most of all, we will provide you with a strong defense to challenge the Commonwealth’s case. This means building a defense that challenges the Commonwealth’s case against you. Contact us immediately for legal representation.

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Firearm Carried W/O License

Montgomery 12/2016

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"I found Michael Kotik via the internet with the hope by someone to help my son in what we thought was something routine. Long story short after being mislead by the prior firm and received no results and my son sat for 18 months in prison because "no one knew what was going on" Michael was able to not only..."
~ Michelle Doria
"I had a pleasure of dealing with Mike on couple of occasions. He is an amazing attorney. He always came through and did what was promised. Also he went above and beyond to assist with any request. He is definitely a fighter and will do what is needed to come out with the best outcome"
~ Ella Shapiro

Criminal Lawyers

Fewer Clients. Better Service And Results

SKA Law takes on fewer clients than other firms – it’s because we believe that taking on fewer clients means we can provide more service, and better results.

25 Years Of Legal Practice

Our firm has over 25 years of combined legal practice. Our Philadelphia criminal attorneys have been recognized by the top lawyer ranking services.

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Our Philadelphia criminal attorneys are available 24/7- regardless of the holiday, or time of week. We are always available to help you.

Concierge Service

We take on fewer clients than other firms. Each client works 1:1 on with one of our senior attorneys.

Criminal Attorneys Philadelphia

We Protect Your Freedom And Your Future.

At the law offices of Amato T Sanita, Esq, this is more than just a slogan – it’s our philosophy, and belief. Our goal is to protect your freedom, and to ensure your future is protected. By working with our firm, you get legal representation when you need it the most for your criminal case in Philadelphia. We understand that dealing with the criminal system is overwhelming – the consequences cannot be underestimated. Regardless of whether it’s a small misdemeanor, or a severe federal crime, you need to understand the legal process – how it impacts you – and a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney, who will work for you. Our Philadelphia criminal lawyers treat each case as it’s own unique situation, and work hard to uncover evidence that will get you the best possible outcome. Founding partner Amato Sanita, understands that you’re very concerned about possible sentences, and issues in the future you might face. There are many aspects to a criminal defense case. Our goal is to show the court you didn’t commit the crime and/or don’t deserve the maximum sentence for the crime you’re accused of committing. Regardless of whether it’s a drug offense, assault charge, or bank fraud, our Philadelphia criminal lawyers work tirelessly to represent your interests in court.

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Our firm has over 25 years of combined legal practice – handling some of the toughest cases in the country.

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CASE DISMISSED

Statutory Sexual Assault

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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Aggravated Indecent Assault

Serious Bodily Injured

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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CASE DISMISSED

Harassment

FACED 3 YEARS IN PRISON

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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CASE DISMISSED

False Imprisonment

15 YEARS IN PRISON

Aggravated Assault can be charged against someone if they cause or attempt to cause “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury within Pennsylvania is defined as injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ (18 Pa.C.S. Sec. 2301). If convicted of Aggravated Assault, the crime is graded as a felony in the first degree.

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1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

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Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions

Philadelphia

1518 Walnut Street st 808, Philadelphia, PA 19102

800-646-6048

Get Directions