Is a theft crime a misdemeanor or a felony in Maryland?

Theft of property valued at under $100 or between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor under state law. Any theft of property or services valued at $1,500 or above constitutes a felony offense in Maryland. Felony theft charges are generally more serious than misdemeanor charges. They can impose much lengthier prison sentences, with the most serious felony theft charges carrying potential terms of up to 20 years. Even misdemeanor theft crimes could have serious effects on your life. Repeat offenders could face up to five years of jail time for certain subsequent offenses. Even a single misdemeanor conviction results in a criminal record that can impact your career, your education, and your personal life. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, strong representation by experienced Maryland theft crime lawyers can help you work toward a more positive resolution of your case.

How serious is a theft charge?

Although theft is considered a common criminal charge, you shouldn’t take this legal matter lightly. Your reputation, criminal record, job, finances, and freedom are all at risk. A conviction could send you to jail for months or even years. You could be forced to pay fines on top of having to repay the owner of the property you’re accused of having stolen. Long after you have served your sentence, this charge can continue to affect you. A theft crime appearing on background checks can deter prospective employers from hiring you and make landlords reluctant to rent property to you, among many other potential consequences. Taking a strong stand against these charges by retaining experienced theft crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, can help you pursue an outcome to your case that avoids or minimizes these consequences.

Can you go to jail for a theft charge in Maryland?

If convicted of any theft crime in Maryland, jail time is a possible consequence under state law. Even first-offense petty theft crimes of less than $100 of property can lead to up to 90 days of jail time. Violations that constitute felonies or repeat offenses could result in years of incarceration.

What are possible defenses against theft charges?

The numerous types of theft charge defenses range from false allegations to lack of intent. Your attorney might also include in your defense strategy arguments relating to constitutional rights violations and improper procedures for gathering evidence, such as illegal search and seizure. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to make the case that the taking of property was accidental rather than constituting intentional theft or that you had permission to be in possession of the property. Determining the best path forward for your defense strategy requires a thorough analysis of the facts and the case against you.

Maryland Theft Crime Lawyers | Theft Crime Defense Attorneys Glen Burnie, MD

Theft Crime Defense Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD Providing Representation for Theft Charges in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Maryland

For even the least severe petty theft crimes in Maryland, you could face jail time. The greater the value of the property you're accused of stealing, the higher the stakes. You could be risking a years-long prison term, thousands of dollars in fines, and the lifelong impact of a criminal record. A robust defense developed especially for your situation by experienced Maryland theft crime lawyers could be the key to avoiding or minimizing these consequences.

At Maronick Law LLC, we’re committed to exploring all avenues for a favorable outcome for our clients. If there’s a way under the law to get your charges dropped or reduced, beat the charges in court, or push for lesser sentences, you can count on us to skillfully pursue that strategy for you. Contact us today for your free consultation.

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Facing Theft Charges in Maryland?

State law in Maryland recognizes numerous types of theft. Under Section 7-104 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article, the general crime of theft encompasses willfully or knowingly

depriving the owner of property through any of the following means:

Obtaining or controlling the property
Using, concealing, or abandoning the property
Using deception of any kind to obtain control of the property
Possessing stolen property

This statute also criminalizes obtaining control over lost property without making a reasonable effort to restore the property to its owner. Under state law, theft can also extend to services normally provided for compensation when the perpetrator uses deception or the services are provided without consent.

Additional statutes of state law address other specific forms of theft, including:

Motor vehicle theft under Section 7-105
Theft by deception via writing bad checks under Section 7-107

Theft as defined by state law in Maryland encompasses a variety of forms of taking possession or control of another’s property, including the following:

Larceny
Larceny by trick, deception, or fraud
Larceny after trust, or theft committed by someone the victim trusted to watch over their assets
Embezzlement
Theft by false pretenses
Shoplifting or retail theft
Receiving stolen property

Theft may be committed on its own as a non-violent crime or in connection with violent crimes, as is often the case in offenses such as robbery and burglary.

Penalties for Theft Crimes in Maryland

In Maryland, one of the factors that determines the severity of theft charges and their potential penalties is the value of the stolen property. Another important factor is whether the charge against you is a first offense or a repeat offense. Generally, first offenses and theft involving lower-value property bring about less harsh penalties than repeat convictions and offenses involving the theft of high-value property.

Consequences of Misdemeanor Theft Convictions

If you’re accused of stealing property or services worth less than $100, you could spend up to 90 days in jail and be fined up to $500, as well as having to return the property or otherwise repay its owner.

For allegations that involve stolen property valued above $100 and below $1,500, a first offense could lead to six months of jail time and $500 in fines. Subsequent offenses could send you to jail for up to one year as well as imposing a fine of up to $500.

Penalties for Felony Theft Crimes

Once the value of the allegedly stolen property exceeds $1,500, the penalties for theft convictions get much steeper. These crimes are felony offenses under Maryland law.

For theft of property of at least $1,500 but less than $25,000, a conviction could lead to up to five years of incarceration and up to $10,000 in fines. A conviction of stealing property of at least $25,000 in value but less than $100,000 can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $15,000. Charges arising out of the theft of $100,000 or more in property can lead to up to 20 years of imprisonment and up to $25,000 in fines.

Theft-related crimes of violence, like robbery and armed robbery, carry some of the most severe penalties. Robbery is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison under Section 3-402 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article, while armed robbery with a dangerous weapon can impose up to 20 years of incarceration, per Section 3-403.

How Maronick Law LLC Can Help

Experienced Maryland theft crime lawyers can defend your rights and pursue the best results possible, regardless of how complex your situation may seem.

Our Approach to Defending Against Theft Charges

An effective, results-oriented approach is the foundation of a successful defense strategy. At Maronick Law LLC, we are committed to crafting innovative solutions and strategies to achieve an outcome that serves your best interests.

Our Maryland theft crime lawyers begin each case with a careful examination of the evidence against you and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Each detail plays a role in determining the best plan of action for mitigating the impact of theft charges on your life.

In crafting your legal defense, you need a team that balances tough advocacy with smart strategy. Maronick Law LLC’s theft crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, are both aggressive advocates for our clients’ constitutional rights and creative thinkers. We use every tool at our disposal, including our multifaceted understanding of Maryland legislation and case law, to protect your interests in even the most complicated theft crime cases.

Types of Theft Crimes Maronick Law LLC Can Assist You With

Representing clients across Maryland, our team at Maronick Law LLC is well qualified to handle theft crime cases of all kinds, including:

Shoplifting
Burglary
Robbery
Armed robbery
Arson
Malicious destruction of property
Internet theft
Fraud
Tax evasion
Possession of stolen property
Auto theft
Embezzlement
Federal theft charges

We employ the experience of expert witnesses and other investigators to determine if your rights were violated at any stage of your case, such as by an unlawful search, mishandled evidence, or an illegal arrest. We approach each case collaboratively and holistically as we prepare for trial, regardless of its complexity. With us as your advocates and guides, you can approach the criminal legal process with confidence.

Why Choose Maronick Law LLC?

When you need professional guidance to protect your future, Maronick Law LLC is here to assist you. Find out how we create effective defense strategies in the face of theft crime charges.

Personalized Attention

Your case is unique, and an effective defense requires careful consideration of the individual facts involved. Our theft crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, provide personalized attention to each and every client we serve. We’re here to support you through the challenges of the legal process and prepare a robust defense specially tailored to your circumstances.

Statewide Representation Against Theft Charges

Turn to the team at Maronick Law LLC anywhere in Maryland for the legal advice and representation you need. We make it easy to get help where and when you need it most, with 24/7 availability and offices across the state, including locations in Glen Burnie, Baltimore, Ocean City, and Towson.

Free, Confidential Consultation

Getting reliable answers to your questions is the only way to approach the criminal legal process from an informed position. We invite anyone accused of theft crimes in Maryland to take advantage of a complimentary initial consultation, by phone or in our office, to discuss their case with an experienced attorney.

During the consultation, we can evaluate the specifics of your case and advise you on how our Maryland theft crime lawyers can help. It’s a risk-free way to explore your legal options and what value professional representation can bring to your case.

Contact the Maryland Theft Crime Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Evaluation

Get the assertive criminal defense representation that offers you the best hope of a favorable outcome to your theft charges case.

For help from theft crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call us today.

Maryland Theft Crime Lawyers