Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Theft Laws: Felony Threshold and Retail Theft (2026)
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 14, 2026). · 17 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In Pennsylvania, general theft becomes a felony when the amount involved exceeds $2,000: 18 Pa.C.S. 3903(a.1) makes such a theft a felony of the third degree, and it does the same for theft of a car, motorcycle or other motor-propelled vehicle at any value. Shoplifting has its own, lower line. Under the retail theft statute, 18 Pa.C.S. 3929, taking merchandise is a third-degree felony when the amount exceeds $1,000, when the merchandise is a firearm or motor vehicle, or when it is a person's third or subsequent retail theft offense, whatever the value. A few specialized offenses, such as theft of mail and theft of secondary metal, set their own grades, covered below. For the rules in other states, see our guide to theft laws by state.
Information last verified on 2026-10-13. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Pennsylvania's state theft statutes in Title 18, Chapter 39 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Sections 3901, 3902, 3903, 3921, 3926, 3929, 3929.1, 3929.2, 3929.3, 3934, 3935.1 and 3936), the sentencing maximums in Title 18, Chapter 11 (Sections 1101 and 1103 to 1105), and the civil retail theft remedy in 42 Pa.C.S. 8308. It does not cover federal theft offenses, local ordinances, or identity theft and fraud schemes, which have their own pages linked below.
What counts as theft in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania folds its many kinds of theft into one crime. Section 3902 provides: "Conduct denominated theft in this chapter constitutes a single offense." The chapter then describes the different ways that offense can be committed, and the most basic is theft by unlawful taking. Section 3921(a) reads:
"A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another with intent to deprive him thereof."
The word "deprive" carries the intent element. Section 3901, the definitions section for the chapter, defines it as "(1) To withhold property of another permanently or for so extended a period as to appropriate a major portion of its economic value, or with intent to restore only upon payment of reward or other compensation; or (2) to dispose of the property so as to make it unlikely that the owner will recover it."
Shoplifting is charged under its own section, retail theft (18 Pa.C.S. 3929), with its own grading rules. Those rules are covered in the retail theft section below.
Pennsylvania theft grading table: felony threshold and penalties
Section 3903 grades most theft under Chapter 39 by degree, mostly by the "amount involved"; retail theft, theft of mail, theft from a motor vehicle, theft of secondary metal and a few other sections set their own grades. Pennsylvania does not use the labels "petty theft" or "grand theft"; a theft is a summary offense (for some offenses, such as a first low-value retail theft, theft of mail, library theft or theft of services), a misdemeanor of the third, second or first degree, or a felony of the third, second or first degree.
| Amount involved (general theft) | Grade | Maximum prison term | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $50 | Misdemeanor of the third degree (3903(b)(2)) | 1 year (1104(3)) | $2,500 (1101(6)) |
| $50 or more but less than $200 | Misdemeanor of the second degree (3903(b)(1)) | 2 years (1104(2)) | $5,000 (1101(5)) |
| $200 up to and including $2,000, or any lesser amount taken from the person, by threat, or in breach of fiduciary obligation | Misdemeanor of the first degree (3903(b)) | 5 years (1104(1)) | $10,000 (1101(4)) |
| More than $2,000 but less than $100,000, or any motor-propelled vehicle | Felony of the third degree (3903(a.1)) | 7 years (1103(3)) | $15,000 (1101(3)) |
| $100,000 or more but less than $500,000, or a firearm, or any amount of anhydrous ammonia, or receiving a stolen firearm, or theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle or retail theft committed during a manmade, natural or war-caused disaster | Felony of the second degree (3903(a)) | 10 years (1103(2)) | $25,000 (1101(2)) |
| $500,000 or more, or receiving a stolen firearm by a person in the business of buying or selling stolen property | Felony of the first degree (3903(a.2)) | 20 years (1103(1)) | $25,000 (1101(2)) |
The prison maximums come from 18 Pa.C.S. 1103 (felonies) and 1104 (misdemeanors), which set terms "fixed by the court at not more than" the stated number of years for felonies. The fines come from Section 1101, which also allows "any higher amount equal to double the pecuniary gain derived from the offense by the offender." These are the ceilings the General Assembly set, not a prediction of the sentence in any particular case.
The felony line is written as "exceeds $2,000," so a theft of exactly $2,000 stays a first-degree misdemeanor. Section 3903(a.1) reads in full:
"Except as provided in subsection (a) or (a.2), theft constitutes a felony of the third degree if the amount involved exceeds $2,000, or if the property stolen is an automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or other motor-propelled vehicle, or in the case of theft by receiving stolen property, if the receiver is in the business of buying or selling stolen property."
The misdemeanor tiers come from Section 3903(b), which makes every theft not covered by the felony subsections a first-degree misdemeanor, then carves out the two lower grades only for property that was not taken a certain way:
"Theft not within subsection (a), (a.1) or (a.2), constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, except that if the property was not taken from the person or by threat, or in breach of fiduciary obligation, and: (1) the amount involved was $50 or more but less than $200 the offense constitutes a misdemeanor of the second degree; or (2) the amount involved was less than $50 the offense constitutes a misdemeanor of the third degree."
So a small theft taken from a person, by threat, or by someone in breach of a fiduciary obligation is graded as a first-degree misdemeanor even when the amount is under $200.
How Pennsylvania measures value and adds up multiple thefts
Because the grade usually turns on the amount, Section 3903(c) says how value is measured: "value means the market value of the property at the time and place of the crime, or if such cannot be satisfactorily ascertained, the cost of replacement of the property within a reasonable time after the crime."
If the value cannot be satisfactorily ascertained under those standards, the statute sets a default: "its value shall be deemed to be an amount less than $50," which is the third-degree misdemeanor tier.
Separate thefts can be combined. Section 3903 provides: "Amounts involved in thefts committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether from the same person or several persons, may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense." Several smaller takings that are part of one scheme can therefore be graded by their total.
Thefts graded by the type of property, not its value
Some property moves a theft into a felony grade whatever it is worth:
- Motor vehicles. Theft of "an automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or other motor-propelled vehicle" is a felony of the third degree (3903(a.1)).
- Firearms. Theft is a felony of the second degree when "The property stolen is a firearm" (3903(a)(2)).
- Receiving a stolen firearm. Theft by receiving stolen property is a felony of the second degree when "the property received, retained or disposed of is a firearm" (3903(a)(3)), and a felony of the first degree when, in addition, "the receiver is in the business of buying or selling stolen property" (3903(a.2)(1)).
- Anhydrous ammonia. Theft of "any amount of anhydrous ammonia" is a felony of the second degree (3903(a)(4)).
- Receiving stolen property as a business. Theft by receiving stolen property is a felony of the third degree when "the receiver is in the business of buying or selling stolen property" (3903(a.1)).
- Thefts during a disaster. Theft is a felony of the second degree when "The offense is committed during a manmade disaster, a natural disaster or a war-caused disaster and constitutes a violation of section 3921 (relating to theft by unlawful taking or disposition), 3925 (relating to receiving stolen property), 3928 (relating to unauthorized use of automobiles and other vehicles) or 3929 (relating to retail theft)" (3903(a)(1)). Section 3903(d) defines the three kinds of disaster.
Retail theft (shoplifting) in Pennsylvania
Retail theft is defined in 18 Pa.C.S. 3929(a). Its first paragraph covers the conduct most people mean by shoplifting. A person is guilty of retail theft if he:
"(1) takes possession of, carries away, transfers or causes to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying the full retail value thereof;"
Retail theft grades
Section 3929(b)(1) grades retail theft by the value of the merchandise and by how many times the person has offended.
| Retail theft | Grade | Maximum prison term | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offense, merchandise worth less than $150 | Summary offense (3929(b)(1)(i)) | 90 days (1105) | $300 (1101(7)) |
| Second offense, merchandise worth less than $150 | Misdemeanor of the second degree (3929(b)(1)(ii)) | 2 years (1104(2)) | $5,000 (1101(5)) |
| First or second offense, $150 or more (up to and including $1,000) | Misdemeanor of the first degree (3929(b)(1)(iii)) | 5 years (1104(1)) | $10,000 (1101(4)) |
| Third or subsequent offense, regardless of value | Felony of the third degree (3929(b)(1)(iv)) | 7 years (1103(3)) | $15,000 (1101(3)) |
| Amount exceeds $1,000, or the merchandise is a firearm or a motor vehicle | Felony of the third degree (3929(b)(1)(v)) | 7 years (1103(3)) | $15,000 (1101(3)) |
The retail felony line is lower than the general one. Merchandise worth $1,500 taken from a store is a third-degree felony under 3929(b)(1)(v), while a $1,500 theft graded under the general section 3903 is a first-degree misdemeanor. As with general theft, the line is "exceeds $1,000," so merchandise worth exactly $1,000 on a first or second offense is a first-degree misdemeanor.
The table does not apply to a retail theft committed during a manmade, natural or war-caused disaster: Section 3903(a)(1) makes that a felony of the second degree at any value.
Retail thefts can also be added together across stores. Under Section 3929(b)(2), "Amounts involved in retail thefts committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether from the same store or retail mercantile establishment or several stores or retail mercantile establishments, may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense."
Prior offenses that count toward a felony
Because a third retail theft offense is a felony at any value, which prior events count matters. Section 3929(b.1) directs the court to include "a conviction, acceptance of accelerated rehabilitative disposition or other form of preliminary disposition, occurring before the sentencing on the present violation, for an offense under this section, an offense substantially similar to an offense under this section or under the prior laws of this Commonwealth or a similar offense under the statutes of any other state or of the United States."
Two consequences follow from that text. An earlier case resolved through accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) counts, not only a conviction. And retail theft offenses from other states or under federal law count as well.
Concealment and store detention
Section 3929(c) creates a presumption about concealed goods: "Any person intentionally concealing unpurchased property of any store or other mercantile establishment, either on the premises or outside the premises of such store, shall be prima facie presumed to have so concealed such property with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying the full retail value thereof within the meaning of subsection (a)."
Section 3929(d) gives stores a limited detention privilege. A peace officer, merchant, merchant's employee or contracted agent "who has probable cause to believe that retail theft has occurred or is occurring on or about a store or other retail mercantile establishment and who has probable cause to believe that a specific person has committed or is committing the retail theft may detain the suspect in a reasonable manner for a reasonable time on or off the premises." The statute limits the purposes to requiring the person to identify himself, verifying that identification, determining whether the person has unpurchased merchandise and recovering it, informing a peace officer, or instituting criminal proceedings. A detention that meets those conditions "shall not impose civil or criminal liability" on the person detaining.
Theft detection shielding and deactivation devices
Section 3929.2(a) makes a separate crime of the tools sometimes used to defeat store security: "A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he knowingly possesses, manufactures, sells, offers for sale or distributes in any way a theft detection shielding device or a theft detection deactivation device."
Motor fuel
Section 3929(b)(1.1) sets fines for retail theft of motor fuel: "(i) For a first offense, to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $250. (ii) For a second offense, to pay a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500. (iii) For a third or subsequent offense, to pay a fine of not less than $500, or the court may order the operating privilege of the person suspended for 30 days."
Organized retail theft
Section 3929.3 targets the people who run a retail theft operation rather than individual takings. Under 3929.3(a), "A person commits organized retail theft if the person organizes, coordinates, controls, supervises, finances or manages any of the activities of an organized retail theft enterprise."
The grade depends on the retail value of the stolen merchandise in the possession of or under the control of the enterprise (3929.3(b)):
| Retail value under the enterprise's control | Grade |
|---|---|
| At least $2,500, but not more than $9,999 | Felony of the third degree |
| At least $10,000, but not more than $49,999 | Felony of the second degree |
| At least $50,000 | Felony of the first degree |
The official history for Section 3929.3 shows it was added by Act 33 of 2010 (June 16, 2010, P.L.212) and amended by Act 42 of 2023 (December 14, 2023, P.L.376), effective July 1, 2024.
Other theft offenses with their own grades
Several sections of Chapter 39 grade a specific kind of theft themselves instead of relying only on Section 3903:
- Theft of mail, including packages (3936). "Mail" means "A letter, package, bag, mail or item of value sent or delivered to another." The offense is a summary offense "if the offense is a first offense and the value of the mail is less than $200," a second-degree misdemeanor on a second offense under $200, a first-degree misdemeanor on a first or second offense of $200 or more, and a "Felony of the third degree if the offense is a third or subsequent offense or if the value of the mail exceeds $2,000" (3936(c)(1)). Prior offenses include an accepted ARD and similar offenses under other states' or federal law (3936(d)). Section 3936 was added by Act 41 of 2023 (December 14, 2023, P.L.374).
- Theft from a motor vehicle (3934). Taking property from a motor vehicle is a third-degree misdemeanor under $50, a second-degree misdemeanor at $50 or more but less than $200, and a first-degree misdemeanor "if the amount involved was greater than $200." But "When the offense is a third or subsequent offense within a five-year period, regardless of the amount involved and regardless of the grading of the prior offenses, an offense under this section is a felony of the third degree" (3934(b)(2)).
- Theft of secondary metal (3935.1). Secondary metal includes utility and rail "wire, pipe or cable," as well as "copper, aluminum or other metal" valuable for recycling. The felony line is lower than for general theft: "When the value of the secondary metal unlawfully obtained is $1,000 or more, the offense constitutes a felony of the third degree" (3935.1(b)(4)). A third or subsequent offense is a third-degree felony "regardless of the value of the secondary metal," and prior thefts under Section 3921 and an accepted ARD count (3935.1(c)).
- Theft of services (3926). It "constitutes a summary offense when the value of the services obtained or diverted is less than $50"; at $50 or more, it is graded under Section 3903 (3926(c)).
- Library theft (3929.1). A first offense is a summary offense "when the value of the material is less than $150," and a third or subsequent offense is a felony of the third degree regardless of value (3929.1(b)(1)).
Civil penalties a store can seek under 42 Pa.C.S. 8308
Apart from any criminal case, Pennsylvania lets a merchant bring a civil action over retail theft. In that action, Section 8308(a) directs the court to use listed remedies, including to "(3) Award a civil penalty to the plaintiff in the amount of the value of the merchandise plus $150." The listed remedies also include ordering the merchandise returned in its original condition if possible or, if not, awarding its value; actual damages, which do not include the merchant's loss of time or wages in apprehending and prosecuting the person; and "reasonable attorney fees and reasonable court costs" (8308(a)(1)-(2)).
The statute sets several conditions on these claims:
- No criminal case required. "Criminal prosecution under 18 Pa.C.S. 3929 is not a prerequisite to the applicability of this section" (8308(c)).
- Notice first. "The plaintiff shall send a notice to the defendant's last known address giving the defendant 20 days to respond before a civil action may be commenced" (8308(d)(1)).
- A cap on the suit if paid. "No civil action under this section may be maintained if the defendant has paid the plaintiff a penalty equal to the retail value of the merchandise, not to exceed $500, plus the sum of $150" (8308(d)(2)).
- A written release. A person who complies with a written demand within 20 days of receiving it "shall be given a written release from further civil liability with respect to the specific act of retail theft" (8308(e)).
These provisions describe what a merchant can recover under the statute. Whether a particular demand letter matches them is a question for a lawyer licensed in Pennsylvania.
Related legal issues
Theft by deception and other fraud schemes, and where to report them, are covered in our guide to Pennsylvania scam and fraud laws. Stealing someone's personal information is a separate set of offenses covered in Pennsylvania identity theft laws. For clearing a theft charge or conviction from a record, see Pennsylvania expungement laws, and for filing deadlines see the Pennsylvania statute of limitations guide. Federal theft offenses are covered on our theft laws hub.
Related
- Theft laws by state
- Pennsylvania scam and fraud laws
- Pennsylvania identity theft laws
- Pennsylvania expungement laws
- Pennsylvania statute of limitations
This article provides general legal information about Pennsylvania theft statutes as of October 13, 2026. It is not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Pennsylvania.
Last updated: 2026-10-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the felony theft threshold in Pennsylvania?
General theft is a felony of the third degree when the amount involved exceeds $2,000 (18 Pa.C.S. 3903(a.1)). For retail theft the line is lower: a felony of the third degree when the amount exceeds $1,000, or on a third or subsequent offense at any value (3929(b)(1)(iv)-(v)). Theft of secondary metal, such as copper wire, is a felony of the third degree at $1,000 or more (3935.1(b)(4)).
Is stealing $1,500 a felony in Pennsylvania?
It depends on which statute applies. Under the general theft grading section, $1,500 is a misdemeanor of the first degree because it does not exceed $2,000 (3903(b)). If the $1,500 is merchandise taken from a store, the retail theft statute makes it a felony of the third degree because it exceeds $1,000 (3929(b)(1)(v)).
Is shoplifting a felony in Pennsylvania?
Retail theft is a felony of the third degree when the amount exceeds $1,000, when the merchandise is a firearm or a motor vehicle, or when it is a third or subsequent retail theft offense, regardless of value (18 Pa.C.S. 3929(b)(1)(iv)-(v)). Retail theft committed during a manmade, natural or war-caused disaster is a felony of the second degree at any value (3903(a)(1)). Otherwise it is a summary offense or a misdemeanor.
What is the penalty for a first shoplifting offense in Pennsylvania?
A first retail theft of merchandise worth less than $150 is a summary offense (3929(b)(1)(i)), punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300 (1105, 1101(7)). A first offense of $150 or more is a first-degree misdemeanor, and one over $1,000 is a third-degree felony. A retail theft committed during a manmade, natural or war-caused disaster is a second-degree felony (3903(a)(1)).
Does Pennsylvania have petty theft and grand theft?
No. Pennsylvania grades most theft by degree under 18 Pa.C.S. 3903, with some offenses graded in their own sections: summary offense (for some offenses, such as a first low-value retail theft, theft of mail, library theft or theft of services), third-, second- and first-degree misdemeanors, and third-, second- and first-degree felonies.
Is stealing a gun a felony in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Under 18 Pa.C.S. 3903(a)(2), theft is a felony of the second degree when the property stolen is a firearm, which carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine (1103(2), 1101(2)). When the firearm is merchandise taken from a store, the retail theft statute grades it as a felony of the third degree (3929(b)(1)(v)).
Can a store charge me a civil penalty for shoplifting in Pennsylvania?
Under 42 Pa.C.S. 8308, a merchant can seek a civil penalty equal to the value of the merchandise plus $150, and criminal prosecution is not a prerequisite. The merchant must send a notice to the person's last known address giving 20 days to respond before suing, and no suit may be maintained if the person has paid the retail value of the merchandise (not to exceed $500) plus $150.
Can a Pennsylvania store detain someone suspected of shoplifting?
Under 18 Pa.C.S. 3929(d), a merchant, employee or contracted agent with probable cause to believe a specific person committed retail theft may detain that person in a reasonable manner for a reasonable time, on or off the premises, for purposes the statute lists, such as identifying the person, recovering merchandise and informing a peace officer.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses)
§ 3921Theft by unlawful taking or dispositionIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) Movable property.--A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, movable property of another with intent to deprive him thereof. (b) Immovable property.--A person is guilty of theft if he unlawfully transfers, or exercises unlawful control over, immovable property of another or any interest therein with intent to benefit himself or another not entitled thereto.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Cited in 648 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Commonwealth v. Shiffler (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2005, 583 Pa. 478)“…8 Pa.C.S. § 3502(a). [2] 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702(a)(3). [3] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3921(a). [4] 18 Pa.C.S. § 5104. [5] On…”
- Lehman v. Pennsylvania State Police (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2003, 576 Pa. 365)“…cluding second felony offense for theft by unlawful taking, 18 Pa.C.S. § 3921). [3] "A party who proceeded before…”
- Commonwealth v. Singley (Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 2005, 582 Pa. 5)“…[4] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121. [5] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3503. [6] 18 Pa.C.S. § 3921. [7] 42 Pa.C.S. § 9711(a). [8] We…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
§ 3903Grading of theft offensesIn force
(a) Felony of the second degree.--Theft constitutes a felony of the second degree if: (1) The offense is committed during a manmade disaster, a natural disaster or a war-caused disaster and constitutes a violation of section 3921 (relating to theft by unlawful taking or disposition), 3925 (relating to receiving stolen property), 3928 (relating to unauthorized use of automobiles and other vehicles) or 3929 (relating to retail theft). (2) The property stolen is a firearm. (3) In the case of theft by receiving stolen property, the property received, retained or disposed of is a firearm. (4) The property stolen is any amount of anhydrous ammonia. (5) The amount involved is $100,000 or more but less than $500,000. (a.1) Felony of the third degree.--Except as provided in subsection (a) or (a.2), theft constitutes a felony of the third degree if the amount involved exceeds $2,000, or if the property stolen is an automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or other motor-propelled vehicle, or in the case of theft by receiving stolen property, if the receiver is in the business of buying or selling stolen property.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
§ 3929Retail theftIn force
(a) Offense defined.--A person is guilty of a retail theft if he: (1) takes possession of, carries away, transfers or causes to be carried away or transferred, any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use or benefit of such merchandise without paying the full retail value thereof; (2) alters, transfers or removes any label, price tag marking, indicia of value or any other markings which aid in determining value affixed to any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale in a store or other retail mercantile establishment and attempts to purchase such merchandise personally or in consort with another at less than the full retail value with the intention of depriving the merchant of the full retail value of such merchandise; (3) transfers any merchandise displayed, held, stored or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment from the container in or on which the same shall be displayed to any other container with intent to deprive the merchant of all or some part of the full retail value thereof; or (4)…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
§ 3929.3Organized retail theftIn force
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits organized retail theft if the person organizes, coordinates, controls, supervises, finances or manages any of the activities of an organized retail theft enterprise. (b) Grading.-- (1) If the retail value of the stolen merchandise in the possession of or under the control of the organized retail theft enterprise is at least $2,500, but not more than $9,999, the offense is a felony of the third degree. (2) If the retail value of the stolen merchandise in the possession of or under the control of the organized retail theft enterprise is at least $10,000, but not more than $49,999, the offense is a felony of the second degree. (3) If the retail value of the stolen merchandise in the possession of or under the control of the organized retail theft enterprise is at least $50,000, the offense is a felony of the first degree. (b.1) Enforcement.-- (1) The district attorneys of the several counties shall have authority to investigate and to institute criminal proceedings for a violation of this section.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
§ 1103Sentence of imprisonment for felonyIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Except as provided in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714 (relating to sentences for second and subsequent offenses), a person who has been convicted of a felony may be sentenced to imprisonment as follows: (1) In the case of a felony of the first degree, for a term which shall be fixed by the court at not more than 20 years. (2) In the case of a felony of the second degree, for a term which shall be fixed by the court at not more than ten years. (3) In the case of a felony of the third degree, for a term which shall be fixed by the court at not more than seven years.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
Also relied on in: Pennsylvania Assault Laws: Simple vs Aggravated Assault and Penalties
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure)
§ 8308Damages in actions on retail theftIn force
(a) General rule.--In a civil action based on retail theft, as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3929(a) (relating to retail theft), a court of competent jurisdiction shall utilize the following remedies: (1) Order the defendant to restore the merchandise to the plaintiff in its original condition, if possible. (2) Award damages as follows: (i) If it is not possible to restore the merchandise in its original condition under paragraph (1), award the value of the merchandise as damages. (ii) Award actual damages arising from the incident. Damages under this subparagraph do not include the loss of time or wages incurred by the plaintiff in connection with the apprehension and prosecution of the defendant. (iii) Award reasonable attorney fees and reasonable court costs. (3) Award a civil penalty to the plaintiff in the amount of the value of the merchandise plus $150.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at palegis.us
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Sources and References
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3903, Grading of theft offenses(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3929, Retail theft(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3902, Consolidation of theft offenses(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3921, Theft by unlawful taking or disposition(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3901, Definitions (Chapter 39, Theft and related offenses)(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1104, Sentence of imprisonment for misdemeanors(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1101, Fines(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1103, Sentence of imprisonment for felony(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 1105, Sentence of imprisonment for summary offenses(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3929.3, Organized retail theft(www.palegis.us).gov
- 42 Pa.C.S. 8308, Damages in actions on retail theft(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3926, Theft of services(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3929.1, Library theft(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3929.2, Unlawful possession of retail or library theft instruments(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3934, Theft from a motor vehicle(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3935.1, Theft of secondary metal(www.palegis.us).gov
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3936, Theft of mail(www.palegis.us).gov
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