Have you recently been arrested for theft crimes in Frederick, Maryland? If convicted, you could face serious consequences that will affect your future. Now is the time you need to start protecting your rights and putting together a defense.
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, our team of experienced Frederick theft crimes lawyers is ready to protect your rights. Contact us today at (301) 381-1993 to schedule a free consultation, and let us get started putting together a winning strategy for your case.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested for Theft Crimes in Frederick, MD
We understand the stakes are high when your rights and freedoms are on the line. Clients in Frederick, Maryland, have come to trust us for all their criminal defense matters, including theft crimes, DUI defense, drug crimes, and more.
The Frederick theft crimes attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can fight to help protect your rights and your future. We have over 125 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of the accused, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.
Some ways we can help after your arrest include:
- Reviewing the details of your charges
- Gathering evidence to help prove your innocence
- Fighting to have illegal evidence against you dismissed
- Negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor when appropriate
- Aggressively fighting to have your charges dropped or reduced
- Defending you in court in front of a jury
We know what it takes to successfully defend you against charges of theft crimes. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Frederick theft crimes lawyer, and let us begin exploring all your potential defenses.
Overview of Theft Crimes in Maryland
Maryland law describes the specific legal elements of theft crimes. In plain language, a theft crime occurs when someone takes another’s property without the owner’s consent. According to the law, a theft occurs if the person “willfully or knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the property in a manner that deprives the owner of the property.”
Theft crimes are generally divided into five basic categories based on the value of the items that were stolen.
Those categories are:
- Property valued less than $100
- Property valued at least $100 but less than $1,500
- Property valued at least $1,500 but less than $25,000
- Property valued at least $25,000 but less than $100,000
- Property valued at more than $100,000
Shoplifting is one of the most common theft charges in Frederick, and the value of the items taken can have a huge impact on your case. If you have been charged with a theft crime, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys today to let us get started working for you.
What Are the Penalties For Theft Crimes in Frederick, Maryland?
The penalties for theft crimes in Frederick, Maryland, can range from small fines and some jail time to significant fines and years of incarceration. If you are convicted on theft charges involving property valued at less than $100, you could face fines of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
Similarly, if the property is valued up to $1,500, your jail time could increase to six months for a first conviction. As the value of the property increases, the penalties associated with a conviction also increase.
If you are convicted of theft of property of more than $100,000, you will be guilty of a felony. You could also face fines of up to $25,000 and jail time of up to 20 years. As you can see, the penalties for theft crimes can be significant. If you are facing theft charges, make sure you get the help of an experienced theft crimes lawyer who can help defend you against the charges.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Accused of Theft Crimes?
Sometimes, innocent people may still face criminal charges. It is possible that you could have a valid defense that may allow you to beat your theft charges. Some potential defenses to theft charges in Maryland are:
Lack of Intent
The law in Maryland for a theft crime requires an intent to deprive the owner of their property. For instance, if you intended to pay for an item at the store but mistakenly walked out with it, you could have a valid defense to a shoplifting charge.
You Are the Rightful Owner
The prosecution must prove the true owner of the property in question in order to prove that they were deprived of that property. By introducing evidence that shows the property was yours, you could likely raise enough reasonable doubt to avoid a conviction.
No Positive Identification
Not only must the prosecution prove that property was taken, but they must prove that you are the one who took it. Eyewitness testimony can sometimes prove to be unreliable. Additionally, surveillance footage is often very poor quality, and this can make identification difficult.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Frederick Theft Crimes Lawyer
If you are facing theft charges in Frederick, Maryland, you need an experienced lawyer who will fight to protect your rights. Let us help you explore all potential defenses to your charges and work to get you the best possible outcome. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with a Frederick theft crimes lawyer.