Maryland Theft Lawyer
The penalties for a Maryland theft charge can be dramatic and have a huge impact on your life and relationships. Consulting with a Maryland theft attorney may put your mind at ease as you better understand what you are up against and what your options are.
While shoplifting is one example of theft, it is not the only one. You can face theft charges for a variety of acts. Even if you found something that did not belong to you, and did nothing to find the owner, you can be charged with theft.
Maryland Theft Penalties
In Maryland, the seriousness of your theft charge is determined by the value of the property. In other words, shoplifting a bottle of perfume (<$100) is considered less serious than stealing a diamond ring (>$1,000). It is also considered a more serious offense if you are accused of stealing from your employer or during the course of your employment.
Following are some of the penalties for conviction:
- If the value is less than $100, you face up to 90 days in jail.
- If the value is less than $1,000, you face up to 18 months in jail.
- If the value is $1,000 or more, you face up to 15 years in prison.
- If you are accused of theft of a vehicle, you face up to 5 years in prison.
When you are initially approached regarding an alleged theft, it will likely be done by a loss prevention agent employed by the store. Anything you say to them can be used against you in court.
The same applies to statements made to the police when you are arrested. Remember, they are investigating a crime. No matter how friendly they seem, they are looking for evidence. A Maryland theft lawyer would advise you to invoke your right to remain silent and contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Theft cases vary widely and there are many differences from case to case that can affect the outcome and the processes used to get there. Whether you are innocent of the charges against you or you are ready to accept your role in a crime and hope for a lenient penalty, our attorneys can help. These attorneys stand poised to aggressively defend you in court and ensure you get the best results possible.