Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in Pennsylvania

Theft becomes a felony (third degree) when the amount involved exceeds $2,000. Tiers: amount exceeding $2,000: felony of the third degree (also any motor-propelled vehicle, or receiving stolen property by a person in the business of buying or selling stolen property); $100,000 or more but less than $500,000: felony of the second degree (also any firearm, any amount of anhydrous ammonia, or theft during a disaster under listed sections); $500,000 or more: felony of the first degree (also receiving a stolen firearm by a person in the business of buying or selling stolen property). Other theft is 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, theft of $50 or more but less than $200 is a misdemeanor of the second degree and less than $50 is a misdemeanor of the third degree.

Pennsylvania grades felonies as first, second and third degree (murder is punished separately). Except as provided in 42 Pa.C.S. § 9714 (second and subsequent offenses), the maximum prison terms are: felony of the first degree, not more than 20 years; felony of the second degree, not more than ten years; felony of the third degree, not more than seven years. Maximum fines: $50,000 for murder or attempted murder; $25,000 for a felony of the first or second degree; $15,000 for a felony of the third degree (or any higher amount equal to double the pecuniary gain from the offense, or any amount specifically authorized by statute).

Misdemeanor of the first degree: up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. Misdemeanor of the second degree: up to two years and up to $5,000. Misdemeanor of the third degree: up to one year and up to $2,500. Summary offense: imprisonment of not more than 90 days and a fine of up to $300 when no higher fine is established.