Maryland Shoplifting Lawyer

Penalties for Maryland shoplifting vary in their severity depending on the circumstances of the case.  Regardless of whether a shoplifting charge is prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, the criminal record that follows a theft conviction can have a negative impact on a person's reputation, family, finances, and employment.  If you have been arrested for shoplifting in Maryland, you have options.  Contact a Maryland shoplifting lawyer who can explain possible defense strategies to you.

Maryland Theft Law

Shoplifting in Maryland is prosecuted as theft.  While most Maryland shoplifting charges are prosecuted as misdemeanors, it is possible to be charged with felony theft for shoplifting.  Whether theft is considered a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense depends on the value of the property that is stolen. 

Maryland misdemeanor theft, also known as petty theft or petty larceny, is the theft of property valuing less than $1,000.  For this reason, most shoplifting falls under Maryland petty theft.  Misdemeanor shoplifting charges are punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.

A theft is considered a felony if the value of stolen property exceeds $1,000. If the amount of stolen goods is between $1,000 and $10,000 you could be sentenced up to ten years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. If you are charged with felony theft in Maryland and the amount of property stolen is between $10,000 and $100,000, you could be facing up to fifteen years in jail and up to $15,000 in fines.

Whether you have been charged with misdemeanor or felony shoplifting, you need an experienced attorney who can build a successful defense to yield the best possible outcome to your Maryland theft charge.

Maryland Shoplifting Defense

A successful Maryland shoplifting attorney has the skill and resources to create the best defense strategy for your specific situation.  Often, a Maryland shoplifting attorney can successfully have the charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.  For first offenses, a Maryland theft lawyer may be able to negotiate sentencing options such as probation before judgment, which eliminates a criminal conviction if the defendant successfully complies with the terms of his or her probation.