Our Maryland Criminal Lawyers Will Fight Against Your Theft, Shoplifting or Fraud Charges

If a defendant is charged with theft in Maryland, there are many ways for the state to secure a conviction. The crime of theft goes beyond merely shoplifting but also includes a wide range of conduct, including:

• Larceny
• Larceny by trick
• Larceny after trust
• Embezzlement
• False pretenses
• Receiving stolen property

Due to the broad nature of the crime of theft, the state has many ways in which it can attempt to convict a defendant. Below are the various options available to the state to prove a case of theft:

• Obtaining or Exerting Unauthorized Control
• Obtaining Control By Deception
• Possession of Stolen Property

Penalties for Theft

The potential penalties for theft depend upon the value of the goods stolen:

• If the value of the items stolen is less than $100, the crime is classified as a misdemeanor and is punishable by a maximum 90 days in jail and or a $500 fine.
• For property stolen with a value greater than $100 but less than $500 the crime is still considered a misdemeanor but the penalty increases to a maximum 18 months in jail and or a $500 fine.
• Felony theft occurs when the value of the property exceeds $500. The maximum punishment for felony theft is 15 years in jail and or a fine of $25,000. 

A conviction for theft can cause problems for someone if they apply for certain jobs that require background checks. This is especially true if the conviction is for a felony theft. Any person charged with theft should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to help to develop a defense to try and keep their record clean.

If you have been charged with theft in Baltimore, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, or Columbia, Maryland, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Jimeno & Gray, P.A. for an initial consultation.