Waldorf, Maryland Theft Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Defending Against Larceny Charges in Waldorf

Many property crimes involve allegations of theft, or taking property belonging to someone else without that person's authorization and with the intent of permanently preventing the owner from possessing their own property. In Maryland, some theft charges may be relatively minor misdemeanors, while others may be serious felonies. The severity of the charges will often depend on the value of the property that was allegedly stolen, and other factors may also influence the potential penalties.

A theft conviction can affect a person's employment, housing, professional opportunities, and other areas of their life, and a strong defense against these charges is essential. At Farmer & Klopfer, our criminal defense lawyers can provide the representation needed for people who have been arrested for theft or related offenses. We will examine the evidence involved in a case, challenge accusations against our client, and work to ensure that they can achieve the best possible resolution.

Theft Penalties Based on the Value of Property

Under Maryland law, the penalties that a person may face if they are convicted of theft will typically depend on the value of the property that was allegedly stolen. The specific charges may include:

Theft of Property Valued Under $100

At this level, theft is a misdemeanor, and a conviction carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. This is the lowest tier of theft, and charges will typically apply in cases involving minor shoplifting incidents or small-scale theft.

Theft of Property Valued Between $100 and $1,499

This type of theft is also a misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. While misdemeanor theft may seem to be a less serious offense, a conviction will result in a criminal record that can follow a person for years.

Theft of Property Valued Between $1,500 and $24,999

Once the value of property that has allegedly been stolen reaches $1,500, a theft offense will be classified as a felony. In these cases, a person who is convicted may be sentenced to up to five years in prison, and the maximum fine may be as high as $10,000. A felony conviction is much more serious than a misdemeanor, since it can lead to collateral consequences that may affect a person for the rest of their life.

Theft of Property Valued Between $25,000 and $99,999

This felony offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000. As the value of property that was allegedly stolen increases, cases are likely to be treated more seriously by law enforcement officers and prosecutors.

Theft of Property Valued at $100,000 or More

At the highest tier, theft is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000. Cases at this level typically involve large-scale theft from employers, significant financial fraud, or organized theft schemes.

Other Forms of Theft

While theft may involve accusations of taking money or property directly from a person or from their home or vehicle, there are other situations that could lead to theft charges, including:

Shoplifting

A person who is accused of stealing merchandise from a store may be arrested for shoplifting, and they may face theft charges based on the value of the items they allegedly stole or attempted to steal. These charges may also apply when people are accused of behavior such as concealing merchandise, removing or changing price tags, or transferring goods into different containers with the intent to pay less than their full retail value.

Embezzlement

There are some situations where a person may be accused of stealing or misappropriating property that was entrusted to them. These charges may apply in situations where employees are accused of stealing money, products, equipment, or other assets belonging to their employers. Embezzlement may also involve a person keeping something like a vehicle or tool that had been lent to them and refusing to return it to its owner. Theft charges may apply in these situations.

Theft by Deception

A person could be charged with theft if they allegedly obtained money, property, or services through false representations, promises, or other forms of deception. This can include misrepresenting a person's credentials, using fraudulent documents to obtain property, or gaining access to accounts through deceptive practices.

Receiving Stolen Property

A person who receives and retains property knowing that it had been stolen can be charged with theft. Even if the person did not participate in taking the property from its rightful owner, they may face theft charges if they were aware of the original offense.

Theft of Services

Obtaining services such as utilities or labor without paying for them or by evading payment is considered theft. The value of the services that a person obtained and did not pay for may determine the specific theft charges and penalties in these cases.

Contact Our Waldorf, MD Theft Defense Attorneys

Accusations of theft can be serious. While felony charges involving accusations of theft of at least $1,500 are especially serious, misdemeanor charges involving lower amounts can also lead to penalties that could affect your life for years to come. Developing a strong defense against theft charges is essential, and you can do so with the help of the team at Farmer & Klopfer. We can make sure you will be able to respond to accusations of theft correctly, and we will work with you to defend against a conviction. Contact our Waldorf theft and larceny defense lawyers at 301-843-3890 to arrange your free consultation.