Frederick County Shoplifting Lawyer

Some people mistakenly consider shoplifting to be a harmless or minor offense, but it is a form of theft that could result in a substantial fine and a period of incarceration if convicted. The higher the total value of the stolen merchandise, the more severe the sanctions would be after conviction. If you are facing shoplifting charges, let a Frederick County shoplifting lawyer assist you.

A lawyer familiar with the laws regarding shoplifting and other forms of theft could defend you against shoplifting charges and fight to secure an optimal outcome in your case. Additionally, a theft lawyer could safeguard your legal rights from the beginning of an investigation or arrest, all the way through trial.

Shoplifting and Theft Laws in Frederick County

Shoplifting is a form of theft in Frederick County. The law defines theft as willfully and knowingly depriving another of property, which includes anything of value. Therefore, shoplifting involves depriving a retail business of goods or merchandise offered for sale.

Theft could occur in several ways such as by unauthorized control over property, or by deception. Cases of shoplifting that involve unauthorized control over property could occur when a person secretly slips merchandise into a pocket or purse, exiting a store without paying for the merchandise. Shoplifting by deception often happens when a person alters or switches the price tag on merchandise in order to purchase it at a significant discount.

In addition to committing the offense of shoplifting, it is also against the law to willfully and knowingly receive or take possession of goods known to have been obtained through shoplifting. A Frederick County shoplifting attorney could help defendants understand why their actions qualify as shoplifting, and how to best fight the charges.

Penalties for Misdemeanor Shoplifting Offenses

The penalty for a shoplifting offense in Frederick County depends on the total value of the merchandise allegedly stolen. Stealing merchandise valued at less than $1,500 is a misdemeanor offense, but taking merchandise with a total value of $1,500 or more is charged as a felony.

Misdemeanor shoplifting of merchandise worth less than $100 is punishable by a fine up to $500 and a sentence of up to 90 days in jail. The penalties for misdemeanor shoplifting of merchandise with a value between $100 and $1,500 include a fine of $500 or less and as much as six months in jail for a first conviction. However, defendants may face up to one year in jail for a subsequent conviction. Additionally, either the shoplifted merchandise must be returned or restitution must be paid in an amount equal to the value of the stolen merchandise.

Individuals with four or more prior convictions for misdemeanor shoplifting face a penalty of incarceration for up to five years and a $5,000 fine. Before there are multiple convictions on a record, it may be wise for shoplifting defendants in Frederick County to consult a dedicated criminal defense attorney.

Penalties for Felony Shoplifting Offenses in Frederick County

Felony shoplifting in Frederick County involves the theft of merchandise worth $1,500 or more. The higher the value of the shoplifted merchandise, the more severe the sanctions. The penalties for felony shoplifting offenses in Frederick County are as follows:

• Merchandise with a total value between $1,500 and $25,000 — Up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000
• Merchandise with a total value between $25,000 and $100,000 — Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $15,000
• Merchandise with a total value over $100,000 — Up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $25,000

In addition to a hefty fine and a term of imprisonment, the stolen property must be returned or its value paid to the owner or business. Felony offenses could result in a person losing years of their life in prison, their right to own or use a firearm, and their ability to vote. With the stakes so high, working with an experienced shoplifting attorney is essential.

Speak with a Frederick County Shoplifting Attorney

A Frederick County shoplifting lawyer could help you fight for the best outcome possible after a charge of theft from a store. An attorney could also ensure your constitutional rights are not infringed during the legal process. Speak with a seasoned attorney about your case today.