Types of Theft Offenses in Maryland
Maryland has several different crimes that fall under the umbrella of “theft.” These include:
- Petty Theft: This involves the theft of property valued at less than $100. Penalties may include a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail.
- Misdemeanor Theft: Misdemeanor theft involves the theft of property valued between $100 and $1,000. Penalties include up to 18 months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
- Shoplifting: Taking merchandise from a store without paying can lead to theft charges. The severity of the charges depends on the value of the items taken.
- Felony Theft: The penalties for felony theft in Maryland vary depending on the value of the stolen property:
- Property valued between $1,000 and $10,000: Up to 10 years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- Property valued between $10,000 and $100,000: Up to 15 years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000
- Property valued at over $100,000: Up to 25 years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000
- Theft from a Person: This involves taking property directly from someone else, such as pickpocketing or purse snatching.
- Receiving Stolen Property: If you knowingly receive or possess stolen property, you can be charged with theft, regardless of whether you were involved in the original theft.
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What Are the Possible Penalties for Theft?
The legal ramifications of theft crimes in Maryland can be significant. The state categorizes theft offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, which impacts the severity of the penalties.
Below is a general outline of the possible penalties for theft crimes in Maryland:
- Petty or Misdemeanor Theft: Generally, fines can reach up to $500 for petty or misdemeanor theft, with possible jail time of 90 days to up to 18 months.
- Felony Theft: For felony theft, penalties range from up to 10 to 25 years in prison, as well as fines ranging from $10,000 to $25,000
Additionally, theft convictions can result in a permanent criminal record, affecting your employment opportunities, housing, and personal reputation.
Defenses Against Theft Charges
Facing theft charges doesn’t mean your situation is hopeless. Several defenses may be available, depending on the specific details of your case.
Some possible defense against theft charges in Annapolis include:
- Lack of Intent: If you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property, this could be a strong defense to your charges.
- Mistaken Identity: If you were wrongly identified as the person who committed the theft, your charges can be challenged in court.
- Consent: If the property was taken with the owner’s permission or consent, this may negate your theft charges.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Weak or circumstantial evidence may lead to a dismissal of charges.
Our theft crimes lawyer in Annapolis can review the circumstances surrounding your case and develop a defense strategy based on the available evidence. In every instance, we seek the best possible outcome for our clients, whether that’s fighting for reduced charges, negotiating with the prosecution, or seeking an acquittal at trial.
Choose the Expertise of Our Annapolis Theft Crimes Attorney
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand Maryland theft laws and the serious implications they carry. We are dedicated to providing a robust defense tailored to your unique situation. From investigation to courtroom representation, our theft crimes defense lawyer in Annapolis is here to protect your rights and advocate for the best possible outcome.
If you’re facing theft charges, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate this challenging time.
Call our office at (410) 469-6416 or submit a secure online contact form today.