Annapolis Theft Lawyer
Theft is a serious charge, and a conviction may negatively affect your life even after any debt to society is paid. That is why you need good legal counsel for your defense.
An Annapolis theft lawyer could help you navigate the court system, work hard on your case. Reaching out to a seasoned attorney may be an instrumental step in building a strong defense possible against the charges you are facing.
Typical Types of Theft
Under Maryland Criminal Law Code § 7-102, theft charges may include:
- Larceny – Which may occur using trickery or after gaining the trust of an individual
- Embezzlement
- Shoplifting
- Receiving stolen property
- False pretenses
Under Maryland law, a person convicted of theft must have acted knowingly. As an example, if a person bought goods that they did not know where stolen, they should not have a stolen property charge filed against them. It may be a different story if the authorities had reason to believe the items were stolen.
Penalties for a Theft Conviction
Penalties for theft in Maryland depend on several factors, which could include the value of the stolen items. If an item – or service – stolen is worth more than $100,000, this is a felony and anyone convicted on this charge faces up to 25 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
For items or services valued between $10,000 and $100,000, the potential penalty is up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Items or services valued between $1,000 and $10,000 have a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
If the item or service is valued at less than $1,000, a conviction is a misdemeanor. A person convicted on this charge faces a jail sentence of up to 18 months and a $500 fine. If this person has a prior theft conviction, they face up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. If the item or service has a value of less than $100, a crime which is also referred to as “petty theft,” the individual faces up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
All cases may include either returning any stolen property to its rightful owner or reimbursing the owner for the value of the property or services.
Given the severity of penalties an accused person may face for theft charges, defendants are advised to seek the counsel of a hard-working Annapolis attorney immediately.
Motor Vehicle Theft
As a well-versed attorney could explain, stealing a motor vehicle falls under a different section of the state’s criminal code. It is a felony, with a convicted person facing up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The individual must also pay the vehicle’s owner the full value of the car, or pay for any repairs or restoration required.
How a Defense Attorney May Help
A diligent lawyer could investigate every aspect of a case in defending the accused, and work hard to ensure their rights are protected. If the person is arrested for the first time on misdemeanor charges, it may prove possible for them to enter a pre-trial diversion. This could include performing community service in lieu of receiving a criminal record. In other instances, a first-time offender may receive probation instead of incarceration.
A theft attorney in Annapolis could formulate a defense based on the facts of the case. As an example, if one person accuses another of theft, it may turn out that the accused was under the impression that they had been given, and not loaned, the property in question.
Talk to an Annapolis Theft Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been charged with theft, you need the services of an experienced Annapolis theft lawyer as soon as possible. Call today for an initial consultation or contact us online, so tha an attorney could review your case and advise you on the best options for your defense.