Case Result: Not Guilty All Charges on Theft and Home Improvement Fraud Case
The Challenge
When home improvement projects run into disputes or delays, clients and prosecutors often attempt to turn contractual disagreements into criminal cases. Our client, a local contractor, found himself facing seven severe misdemeanor charges in Philadelphia County, including:
Home Improvement Fraud (73 P.S. § 517.8): Allegations of false statements, receiving advance payment without performance, and misrepresenting contractor information.
Theft & Stolen Property (18 Pa.C.S. §§ 3921, 3925): Allegations of unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.
Additional Misdemeanors: Terroristic Threats (18 Pa.C.S. § 2706) and Intimidation of a Witness/Victim (18 Pa.C.S. § 4952).
A conviction on these charges meant potential jail time, severe financial penalties, and the destruction of our client’s professional reputation and livelihood.
The Defense Strategy
Attorney Charles Foltz mounted a rigorous defense to show that a business dispute does not equal criminal intent. Under Pennsylvania law, failing to complete work or experiencing project delays is a civil matter—not a crime.
Through through cross examination and review of the record, coupled with persuasive argument based on established caselaw in Pennsylvania, as well as appeals to common sense, Attorney Foltz established that our client never possessed criminal intent to defraud the homeowner or make unlawful threats.
The Outcome
After hearing the evidence, the Court granted a Judgment of Acquittal on the Witness Intimidation count and returned Not Guilty verdicts on every remaining charge.
Our client walked out of the courtroom completely cleared of all criminal wrongdoing, with zero fines, zero restitution ordered, and his freedom intact.
Facing Theft or Fraud Charges in Pennsylvania?
If a civil contract dispute has escalated into criminal charges, you need experienced legal representation that knows how to protect your rights, your business, and your freedom.
Contact Attorney Charles Foltz today for a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case.
