Theft Lawyers in La Plata, MD

Theft is one of the oldest crimes in human history, and people have been stealing things from each other since the first civilizations arose. Theft continues in Maryland, and those convicted of theft face serious penalties. If you have been charged with this crime, it is important to approach the legal process with a measure of confidence and efficiency. But what exactly is theft in Maryland? How is this crime defined under the state’s laws? And perhaps most importantly, what is the best way to fight these charges with the help of a qualified, experienced theft crimes lawyer in La Plata? Let’s find out:

The Definition of Theft in Maryland

The definition of theft in Maryland is quite straightforward: You are guilty of this offense if you take someone’s property without their permission. Any kind of deceit in order to gain possession of the property will also result in theft charges – meaning you do not need to physically take the property in order to be convicted. For example, you could commit some kind of fraud in which the property owner willingly hands over their property without understanding that you are stealing from them. You may also face theft charges if you conceal or abandon someone else’s property in a way that deprives them of access.

Penalties for Theft in Maryland

Like many other states, Maryland has different penalties for theft depending on the value of the stolen goods. Here is a breakdown of the “sliding scale” of theft penalties:

• Theft of Less Than $100: Theft of property worth less than $100 is considered a minor misdemeanor. You will face a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail. Keep in mind that you could face these penalties even if you stole something of very low value, such as a candy bar.
• Theft of $100-$1,500: Things start to get a little more serious if the value of your stolen goods is over $100. At this level, you still face misdemeanor charges and a $500 fine, but you could spend up to six months in jail.
• Theft of $1,500-$25,000: If you steal items worth more than $1500, courts consider you to be a serious criminal – and you will face a felony. You could be ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, and you may spend up to five years in prison.
• Theft of $25,000-$100,000: If you steal more than $25,000 in property, you could spend up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
• Theft of More Than $100,000: If you steal more than $100,000 in property, you have basically committed a major heist. The courts will deal with you accordingly, and you could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

You may have noticed that for minor theft charges, you may be ordered to pay a fine higher than the value of the property you stole. For example, if you face a misdemeanor charge for a stolen candy bar, you could be forced to pay a fine of up to $500. On the other end of the spectrum, you might face a fine of just $25,000 for stealing $100,000 worth of luxury items – far less than the value of the stolen property.

While this might seem a little inconsistent, it is important to understand that you may be ordered to pay restitution or civil penalties in addition to your fines. In most cases, courts will try to address the losses of the property owners by forcing you to compensate them. This may be as simple as returning the stolen property. But what happens if the property is lost or damaged? What if you have already sold the property to a third party? In this situation, you could be forced to pay back the full value of the property – including any additional costs the property owner has incurred.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Theft Crimes Lawyer?

If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced theft crimes lawyer in La Plata, look no further than Hennessy Law, LLC. We know that facing theft crimes can be quite daunting, but it is important not to give up hope. There is no need to accept needlessly excessive penalties, and you can fight for your rights with our assistance. Time is of the essence, so book your consultation today and get started with an effective defense strategy.