The Theft Ladder
18 Pa.C.S. 3903 — $50, $200, $2,000, and a firearm or a car
In Pennsylvania, a person commits theft by unlawfully taking, or exercising unlawful control over, another's movable property with intent to deprive the owner of it.
| What was taken | The grade |
|---|---|
| What was takenLess than $50, not from the person, by threat or in breach of a fiduciary duty | The gradeMisdemeanor of the third degree |
| What was taken$50 or more but less than $200, on the same conditions | The gradeMisdemeanor of the second degree |
| What was taken$200 up to $2,000, or less taken from the person or by threat | The gradeMisdemeanor of the first degree |
| What was takenMore than $2,000, or a car, motorcycle, boat or other motor vehicle | The gradeFelony of the third degree |
| What was takenA firearm, or $100,000 or more but less than $500,000 | The gradeFelony of the second degree |
| Retail theft | The grade |
|---|---|
| Retail theftA first offense, under $150 | The gradeA summary offense |
| Retail theftA second offense, under $150 | The gradeMisdemeanor of the second degree |
| Retail theftA first or second offense, $150 or more | The gradeMisdemeanor of the first degree |
| Retail theftA third or later offense, or more than $1,000, or a firearm or motor vehicle | The gradeFelony of the third degree |
A peace officer or merchant with probable cause to believe a specific person committed retail theft may detain the person in a reasonable manner for a reasonable time.
Pennsylvania grades crimes as felonies of the first, second and third degree, misdemeanors of the first, second and third degree, and summary offenses. A misdemeanor of the third degree is one punishable by not more than one year, and a summary offense by not more than 90 days.
Sources for this section (4)
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3921 — Theft by unlawful taking or disposition
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3903 — Grading of theft offenses
- 18 Pa.C.S. 3929 — Retail theft
- 18 Pa.C.S. 106 — Classes of offenses
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.