Few Charges Can be More Damaging to Your Future Than Stealing. A Hardened Maryland Theft Defense Attorney Can Help You Battle the State’s Case.
A theft conviction has lifelong consequences. You may be unable to pursue the career you want, earn the income that you are capable of, or even prohibited from living in the place you would like to live.
How is Theft Defined in the State of Maryland?
Maryland law defines theft, at its most basic, as “taking something of value from another person with the intent to never return it.” Maryland’s modern theft statute encompasses all manner of criminal conduct that used to go by names like larceny, embezzlement, and the like. In all of its incarnations, theft is now a statutory crime, with specific definitions and requirements.
The “taking” can be, and often is, satisfied by showing “unauthorized” control over the item. The law provides a non-exclusive list of things that can constitute property: money, real property, utilities, commercial paper, food products, and crops are all property.
Stealing something with a value of $1000 to $10,000 is a felony and can get you 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Stealing something with a value of $10,000 to $100,000 is a felony and can get you 15 years in jail and a $15,000 fine. If you steal something worth more than $100,000 you have likewise committed a felony and can go to jail for 25 years. Theft of less than $1000 is a misdemeanor, punishable by 90 days to 18 months unless, unless it is your third theft, and then you can get five years.
How is Robbery Defined in the State of Maryland?
Robbery is the” taking and carrying away the property of another, while employing force or the threat of force, with the intent to deprive the victim of that property.
The law states that property is “anything of value,” which can include a variety of things, such as:
- Real estate
- A commercial instrument
- Money
- A written document
- Anything growing, such as a plant
- Utilities (water, gas, electricity)
- A pet
- Food and beverages
- Data and information
Robbery is a serious crime that can get you 15 years in prison. If there is a dangerous weapon employed during the crime, the penalty is more severe- up to 20 years. A weapon can be any number of things and is generally understood to mean an object designed to injure or defeat an enemy.
If your freedom and liberty are at stake, it only makes sense to talk to an experienced attorney. Some would say it is foolhardy not to. I’ve handled hundreds of criminal cases for more than 20 years. I’m prepared to put that experience and knowledge to work for you. Call me today for a complimentary discussion and analysis of your case.
R.S. Baltimore, MD,
