PA Library Theft Lawyers

Thank you for visiting Lampman Law. If you or someone you love is charged with library theft in Pennsylvania, we can help. We are experienced criminal defense lawyers that are in district and trial courts daily representing people charged with crimes throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Since Lampman Law opened we have zealously defended people facing theft accusations and have helped our clients avoid the criminal consequences and social stigma of a theft conviction.

If you would like us to examine your case, please call Lampman Law at 570-371-3737 to personally discuss the matter with us. We offer a free phone or in-office consultation. All consultations are also welcoming, free of pressure, and confidential.  

18 Pa.C.S. § 3929.1. Library Theft

A person is guilty of library theft if he willfully conceals on his person or among his belongings any library or museum material while still on the premises of a library or willfully and without authority removes any library or museum material from a library with the intention of converting such material to his own use.      

The term “Library” includes any public library, any library, archives or manuscript repository of educational, historical or eleemosynary institution, organization or society, any museum and any repository of public records.

The phrase “Library or museum material” includes any book, plate, picture, photograph, engraving, painting, drawing, map, newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, broadside, manuscript, document, letter, public record, microfilm, sound recording, audiovisual materials in any format, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data processing records, display object, exhibit, work of art, artifact, or other documentary, written or printed materials regardless of physical form or characteristics, belonging to, on loan to, or otherwise in the custody of a library.

Grading & Penalties for PA Library Theft

Summary Offense Library Thefts

Library theft is graded as a (S) when the offense is a first offense and the value of the merchandise is less than $150.

A summary offense is punishable by a maximum of 90 days imprisonment and a $300 fine.

Misdemeanor of the second degree (M2) Library Thefts

Library theft is graded as a (M2) when the offense is a second offense and the value of the merchandise is less than $150.

A misdemeanor of the second degree is punishable by a maximum of 2 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. The OGS for these cases is 2.

Misdemeanor of the first degree (M1) Library Thefts

Library theft is graded as a (M1) when the offense is a first or second offense and the value of the merchandise is $150 or more.

A misdemeanor of the first degree is punishable by a maximum of 5 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. The OGS for these cases is 3.

Felony of the third degree (F3) Library Thefts

Library theft is graded as a (F3) and has an OGS of 5 when:

• The is a third or subsequent offense, regardless of the value of the merchandise.

A felony of the third degree is punishable by a maximum of 7 years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine.

Lampman Law Defends Retail Theft Cases

It is extremely important to timely hire an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense when facing library theft charges. As explained, library theft cases are complex and the accused’s freedom and other important rights are at risk. Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer, as soon as possible, can help the accused build their case by gathering the evidence to build a robust defense. It is the best chance for an accused to preserve their liberty, legal rights, and their reputation.

When choosing a lawyer, it is important to seek the services of a lawyer that primarily practices criminal defense and that the lawyer has personally handled retail theft cases in the county where the charge is being prosecuted. Likewise, it is vital that the lawyer can and will conduct a full investigation into the facts and circumstances of the allegation. Obviously, challenges to the valuation of the items or funds allegedly stolen are extremely important in defending library theft prosecutions.

​Please contact us at 570-371-3737 if you have any questions. Should you choose to trust us with your case, our fees are reasonable, we always use detailed written fee agreements, and payment plans (including credit card payment) can be arranged.