Property Crimes in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Property crimes in Delaware County involve allegations that a person unlawfully took, damaged, or interfered with another’s property. These offenses range from summary theft and criminal mischief to felony burglary and robbery-related offenses, depending on the value of property involved, the manner of the alleged conduct, and any prior criminal history.
Attorney William Burrows defends individuals charged with property crimes throughout Delaware County, representing clients in both Magisterial District Courts and the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
See all Criminal Charges – Delaware County
Common Property Crime Charges in Delaware County
Pennsylvania law recognizes multiple property-related offenses. Charges frequently prosecuted in Delaware County include:
Theft Offenses
Theft charges may involve:
- Theft by unlawful taking
- Theft by deception
- Retail theft (shoplifting)
- Theft of services
The grading of theft offenses depends on the value of the property, prior convictions, and specific circumstances.
Burglary
Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. Burglary is a felony offense, with penalties increasing if the structure is occupied.
Robbery
Robbery charges allege theft involving force, threats, or bodily injury. These cases often overlap with assault allegations and carry significant felony penalties.
Criminal Mischief
Criminal mischief involves damage to property, including vandalism or destruction. Grading depends on the extent of the damage and intent.
Receiving Stolen Property
This charge applies when a person is accused of knowingly possessing property obtained through theft.
How Property Crimes Are Handled in Delaware County Courts
Magisterial District Courts
Many property crime cases begin in the Magisterial District Court serving the location where the alleged offense occurred. District courts handle:
- Summary offense hearings
- Preliminary arraignments
- Preliminary hearings for misdemeanor and felony charges
Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
Lower-level theft and criminal mischief cases may be resolved at this level.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Felony property crimes and higher-graded misdemeanors proceed to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, which oversees:
- Formal arraignments
- Pretrial motions
- Trial or negotiated pleas
- Sentencing
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Property Crime Charges by Location in Delaware County
Property crime cases are prosecuted in the Magisterial District Court assigned to the municipality where the alleged offense occurred.
If you are facing property crime charges in any of the following areas, your case will begin in the appropriate district court:
- Aldan, Folcroft, and Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Aston, Chester, and Upper Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Brookhaven, Parkside, Rose Valley, and Upland Criminal Defense
- Chester City Criminal Defense
- Clifton Heights Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Collingdale, Glenolden, and Norwood Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Colwyn, Darby, and Sharon Hill Borough Criminal Defense
- East Lansdowne Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Haverford and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Lansdowne and Yeadon Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Marple and Newtown Criminal Defense
- Media and Swarthmore Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Prospect Park, Ridley Park, and Tinicum Township Criminal Defense
- Radnor Township Criminal Defense
- Springfield Township Criminal Defense
- Upper and Lower Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Upper Providence Township Criminal Defense
Delaware County Criminal Defense by Town
Property Crimes and Violation Proceedings
Property crime allegations often lead to violation proceedings, particularly when the accused is already under court supervision.
Common scenarios include:
- New theft or burglary charges while on probation
- Violations of parole conditions
- Technical violations related to reporting or restitution
Delaware County Violation Types:
- Probation Violations in Delaware County
- Parole Violations in Delaware County
- Technical Violations
- All Violation Types
Violation hearings are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas.
Potential Penalties for Property Crime Convictions
Penalties depend on the specific offense, value of property involved, and prior criminal history. Consequences may include:
- Jail or state prison sentences
- Probation or parole supervision
- Restitution to alleged victims
- Fines and court costs
- Permanent criminal record
Felony property crime convictions can have long-term effects on employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Defense Strategies for Property Crime Charges
Property crime cases often involve complex factual and legal issues. Defense strategies may include:
- Challenging ownership or value of property
- Disputing intent to steal
- Identifying mistaken identity
- Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence
- Negotiating restitution-based resolutions
Attorney William Burrows applies a strategic, evidence-focused approach to defending property crime cases, drawing on his experience with Delaware County courts and prosecutors.