Facing theft-related charges in Lanham, MD, can be a scary and life-altering experience. No matter what type of theft crime you’re confronting, having a dedicated Maryland criminal defense lawyer by your side is crucial for navigating the legal system effectively.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer understands the complexities of local laws and can provide the legal defense necessary to protect your rights and achieve the best resolution for your case. For help with a theft crimes charge in Lanham, Maryland, contact the Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys today at (301) 262-7005 to schedule a free consultation with a Lanham theft crimes lawyer.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested For Theft Crimes
If you’re arrested for a theft-related offense in Lanham, MD, our legal team is here to provide you with legal support every step of the way. Here’s how we can assist you:
- We offer a free and confidential consultation to understand the specifics of your case. We want to hear what you have to say, as it’s often very different from what the prosecutor is claiming.
- Our team conducts a thorough investigation, including reviewing police reports, gathering witness statements, and collecting any relevant evidence to prove your innocence.
- We negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or case dismissals, with the goal being to minimize the impact of theft-related charges on your life.
By choosing Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, you get to work with a lawyer committed to protecting your rights in Lanham, Maryland. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lanham criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Theft Crimes in Maryland
The state of Maryland enforces various laws to address and penalize theft-related offenses. Understanding the different categories of theft crimes and their legal implications is essential for potential defendants. Below is an overview of primary actions that constitute theft in Maryland:
Deceptive Acquisition of Property
Under Maryland statutes, it is unlawful to obtain control over someone else’s property through deceitful means. This encompasses actions such as providing false information, misrepresenting oneself or a situation, and intentionally concealing or abandoning property that belongs to someone else with the plan to reclaim and possess it later.
Possession of Stolen Goods
Maryland law strictly prohibits the ownership of items that an individual knows or has reason to believe are stolen. This holds true even if the person did not directly commit the theft. For example, purchasing a vehicle suspected to be stolen or knowingly storing merchandise obtained illegally can lead to charges related to possessing stolen property.
Handling Lost, Misplaced, or Erroneously Delivered Property
Taking control of property that is known to be lost, misplaced, or mistakenly delivered becomes a criminal act if specific conditions are met. An individual commits theft if they do not take reasonable steps to locate the rightful owner and simultaneously intends to retain the property for personal benefit.
Examples include keeping a lost cell phone without attempting to return it or retaining a package delivered to the wrong address without making efforts to deliver it to the intended recipient.
Fraudulent Procurement of Services
Maryland law also addresses the illegitimate acquisition of services through deceit or false representation. This includes scenarios where individuals obtain services without intending to pay for them or by impersonating someone else to receive benefits.
Examples are going to a restaurant with no intention to pay or posing as a licensed professional to secure jobs and deposits fraudulently.
Being informed about the different types of theft crimes in Maryland is essential for defendants.
What Are the Penalties For Theft Crimes in Lanham, Maryland?
For defendants facing theft charges, it’s important to know what consequences you could be facing so you know what to expect and what’s on the line. Maryland law categorizes theft based on the value of the stolen property. Below is an overview of the potential penalties you may face if charged with a theft-related crime in Lanham:
Theft of Property Valued Below $100
The least severe category of theft in Maryland involves property valued under $100. These cases are classified as misdemeanors. Penalties for this offense include up to 90 days in jail, fines of up to $500, or both.
Theft of Property Valued Below $1,000
For thefts involving property valued above $100 but below $1,000, Maryland classifies the offense as a misdemeanor. Convictions can result in up to 18 months in prison, fines of up to $500, or both.
Theft Involving Property Valued Between $1,000 and $10,000
Theft of property or services valued between $1,000 and $10,000 is classified as a felony in Maryland. Individuals convicted of this offense can face up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching as high as $10,000. Additionally, the court may require restitution payments based on the value of the stolen property.
Theft of Property Valued Between $10,000 and $100,000
When the value of the stolen property exceeds $10,000 but remains below $100,000, the theft is considered a more severe felony. Penalties for this level of theft can include up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. Offenders may be mandated to provide restitution to the victims.
Theft Involving $100,000 or More
The most serious theft offenses involve property or services valued at $100,000 or more. These crimes are treated as major felonies under Maryland law, with potential penalties including up to 25 years in prison and fines reaching $25,000.
Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Theft Offenses
Maryland law imposes stricter penalties on individuals with multiple theft convictions. For example, a third conviction for theft involving less than $1,000 can lead to increased penalties, including up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
Understanding the penalties associated with theft crimes in Lanham, Maryland, is essential for anyone facing these charges.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Theft Crimes?
Being accused of a theft crime can be a difficult experience. However, not all theft charges result in a conviction, thanks to various legal defenses available to defendants. Understanding these defenses can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Below are some common ones that can be raised if you’re arrested for a theft-related offense:
Lack of Intent
One of the fundamental elements of theft is the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you can demonstrate that you lacked the intention to steal, this defense may lead to an acquittal or reduced charges. For instance, if you borrowed an item without permission but never intended to keep it, proving the absence of intent can be a strong defense.
Mistaken Identity
Misidentification can occur for several reasons, such as eyewitness errors or faulty surveillance footage. If you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator, presenting evidence that establishes that you weren’t in the area when the crime took place can be an effective defense. This might involve providing witness testimonies, alibi evidence, or challenging the reliability of the identification method used by law enforcement.
Insufficient Evidence
The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the theft. If the evidence against you is weak, incomplete, or improperly gathered, your defense lawyer can argue that the case should be dismissed or you should be found not guilty.
Consent of the Owner
If you had permission from the property owner to take or use their property, theft charges may not apply. Demonstrating that the owner consented to your possession or use of the property can negate the element of wrongful intent required for a theft conviction.
Owner’s Abandonment
If the property in question was abandoned by its rightful owner, you may argue that there was no theft. Abandonment implies that the owner intentionally relinquished all rights to the property, making it lawful for someone else to take possession.
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the evidence against you was obtained through an illegal search without proper warrants or probable cause, your defense lawyer can file a motion to suppress that evidence. Excluding unlawfully obtained evidence can weaken the prosecution’s case and potentially lead to a dismissal.
Facing theft charges requires a nuanced understanding of the legal defenses available. Each situation is unique, and the applicability of these defenses depends on the specific circumstances of your case.
If you’ve been charged with a theft crime in Maryland, it’s important to work with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. If you’re in this situation, you’re facing serious penalties, including prison time, as well as other collateral consequences that can affect your life for years to come. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Lanham theft crimes lawyer.