Theft Crime Attorney in Maryland
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony theft crime in Maryland, The Flynn Law Firm PLLC has the attorneys to mount the best defense for your situation. Theft charges include larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, shoplifting, or receiving stolen goods or property even if you did not participate in the initial theft. In the event that you receive the goods in question, it must be shown that you accepted them even though you knew they were procured illegally. Charges range from petty theft (up to $100), Misdemeanor (from $100 to $1,000), or felony (any theft over $1,000). Felony charges carry a variety of penalties, discussed in greater detail below.
You may be charged with knowingly receiving stolen goods if it is clear that you were aware, or should have been aware, of the fact that the goods were procured by illegal means. The charge of knowingly receiving stolen property creates a nuanced case, in which a defense attorney will be instrumental.
About Maryland Theft Charges
Misdemeanor Theft Charges
Misdemeanor theft includes charges of Petty Theft and Misdemeanor theft.
Petty theft includes amounts up to $100, and carries a possible penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine for each charge.
Misdemeanor theft includes theft of any amount between $100-$500. The maximum penalties for a misdemeanor theft charge in Maryland is 18 months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
Petty and Misdemeanor theft charges include all types of theft defined by Maryland statutes. This includes larceny of any type, embezzlement, false pretenses, shoplifting, or being the knowing recipient of stolen good amounting to a value below $500.
Felony Theft Charges
Felony theft includes all of the aforementioned charges, but are upgraded from misdemeanor to felony when the value of the stolen items exceed $1,000. If the felony charge is for an amount below $10,000, the maximum penalty is a potential of 10 years in prison, and/or a $10,000 fine. For felony theft charges ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the penalties jump to a potential of 15 years in prison as well as a possible $15,000 fine. For all felony theft cases exceeding $100,000, the charges may carry a penalty of 25 years in prison, as well as a $25,000 fine, for each charge.
Finding the right attorney for your Maryland Theft Case
In addition to a misdemeanor or felony criminal theft charge, you may also be found to be liable to the victim in a civil case as well. The penalties for a guilty party in a civil case are not as clearly defined as in a criminal case, but will be dependent on the specifics of the case in question. Civil penalties often include the repayment of the aggrieved party to the full amount of the theft, a multiple of the stolen items value, or any lost time or wages as a result of the crime.
Finding the right attorney for your Maryland Theft Case is an important part of your defense. Contact The Flynn Law Firm PLLC today for a free consultation to determine the best course of action for your defense.