Salisbury Theft Crimes Lawyer

Under Maryland criminal statutes, the crime of theft is defined as knowingly and willingly taking someone’s property without their consent. There are a variety of offenses that fall under the umbrella of theft, including:

• Shoplifting
• Burglary
• Robbery
• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Identity Theft

The severity of the penalties you face depends on the value of the property stolen and whether deception or force was involved. Most theft offenses are punishable by jail, payment of a fine, and restitution to the victim/s.

Petty Theft

A person who commits a theft where the property or services stolen are valued at $100 or less will be charged with petty theft.  Petty theft, carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.

Misdemeanor Theft

Theft of property valued over $100 but less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor which carries  a penalty of no more than 18 months in jail and/or a $500 fine.

Felony Theft

Theft of property valued at over $1,000 but less than $10,000 is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Theft of property valued over $10,000 but less than $100,000, punishable by 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Theft of property valued at $100,000 or more, punishable by 25 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Defenses Against Theft Crime Charges in Maryland

At Britt Criminal Defense we may seek to establish that:

• you had a good faith belief that the property you took was yours, even if that belief was mistaken;
• you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the alleged offense and lacked the ability to form the intent to steal;
• you were “borrowing” the property and did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of what was rightfully theirs.