Are you facing charges for a theft crime in Prince George’s County? Our trained Prince George’s theft deffense lawyers can help you out, being charged with a theft crime is scary, but you don’t have to fight back alone. Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 262-7005 to receive a free case review.
If you have been accused of theft crime, it’s time to talk with an attorney. We have over 125 years of combined experience helping clients avoid criminal convictions, jail time, and other harsh penalties. Protecting our client’s rights in criminal court is our utmost priority.
Being charged with a theft crime is scary, but you don’t have to fight back alone. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
How Our Prince George’s County Theft Crimes Lawyers Can Help If You Are Arrested For A Theft Crime In Maryland
The Prince George’s County criminal defense attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys are an invaluable resource. We can help you build a strong defense and fight back in criminal court. We are nationally recognized as leading criminal defense lawyers.
There are many types of theft crimes, and every case is different. However, our work almost always includes:
- Explaining the charges and penalties
- Filing bond motions and arguing for pretrial release
- Reviewing evidence
- Communicating with the prosecutor
- Negotiating for dismissal, reduction of charges, or a favorable plea
- Identifying a strong defense
- Filing and arguing pretrial motions
- Representing clients at every court hearing
- Preparing for trial
- Arguing the case in front of a jury
We will commit to handling your case with the utmost professionalism and confidentiality. Call our law office in Prince George’s County, Maryland to schedule a free consultation.
Types Of Theft Crimes In Maryland
Theft is a broad category of crimes. Each crime has distinct elements and varying penalties, and some are more serious than others.
General Theft
General theft is when someone unlawfully takes another’s property or services with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. It can also include concealing or abandoning the property with the intent to permanently deprive. Shoplifting is prosecuted under the general theft statute.
Burglary
As with general theft, burglary is divided into several degrees of severity.
Burglary in the first degree is a crime where one enters a home intending to commit a theft or a crime of violence. Second-degree burglary is when someone breaks and enters a store intending to commit theft, violence, or arson.
Third-degree burglary is breaking or entering a dwelling to commit any type of crime, and fourth-degree burglary is breaking or entering a dwelling or store without any intent to commit a crime inside.
Robbery
Robbery happens when someone takes property from another through force or threats of force. Armed robbery is a more severe charge when the perpetrator uses a weapon to commit a robbery.
Car Theft
Auto theft is a distinct crime that involves taking a car with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. It is different from joyriding because car theft requires the intention to never return the car, whereas joyriding implies that the car will be returned at some point.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a crime where someone fraudulently gains access to personal identifying information and uses that information to their benefit. Usually, identity theft involves financial fraud, such as using the victim’s credit cards or opening new accounts.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is fraudulently taking property or money entrusted to one’s care. Embezzlement normally happens in an employer/employee context. However, it can also apply to other fiduciaries, such as trustees.
What Are the Penalties For A Theft Crime In Prince George’s County, Maryland?
The penalty for theft often depends on the charge and the value of the stolen property.
General Theft
The penalty for general theft depends on the value of the stolen property. The greater the value, the greater the penalty.
The charge for property under $100 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Property $100 to $1,500 is also a misdemeanor but carries up to six months in jail.
If the value is above $1,500, the charge is a felony. $1,500 – $25,000 carries up to 5 years in prison, $25,000 – $100,000 carries up to 10 years, and over $100,000 carries up to 20 years.
Burglary
The punishment for burglary depends on the grade of the offense. First-degree burglary carries up to 20 years in prison. Second-degree burglary carries up to 15, third-degree burglary up to 10, and fourth-degree burglary is a misdemeanor carrying up to 3 years in prison.
Robbery
Robbery is one of the most serious theft crimes because it involves violence. Robbery carries up to 15 years in prison, while armed robbery carries up to 20 years.
Car Theft
Auto theft is a felony resulting in up to 5 years in prison. However, if the car was stolen via carjacking, then the penalty is up to 30 years in prison.
Identity Theft
As with general theft, the punishment for identity theft depends on the value of the money involved. Under $500 is a misdemeanor that can carry up to 18 months in prison. Over $500 is a felony that can carry up to 15 years in prison.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement of under $1,000 is a misdemeanor that can carry up to 18 months in prison. Over $1,000 is a felony and may result in 10 years in prison.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I Am Accused Of A Theft Crime In Prince George’s County, Maryland?
There is no singular defense to theft crimes in Prince George’s County. Since there are many types of theft crimes, there are many defenses. Some defenses are viable options to certain charges, but not others.
The best way to understand what defenses you can raise is to speak with an attorney. A lawyer can examine the facts of your case and identify the strongest defense with the best chance of success. Your lawyer can help you identify the best defense for your case.
Lack of Intent
All theft crimes require intent. For some, it is the intent to permanently deprive, while for others, like burglary, it may be the specific intent to commit a crime. The prosecution must prove you had the requisite intent before you can be convicted of a crime.
A common defense is arguing that you didn’t have the intent. Perhaps you mistakenly took someone else’s property or intended to return it. Maybe you accidentally entered the wrong building or made a mistake with employer funds.
Depending on the charge, a defense arguing that you didn’t have the intent could be a partial or total defense. For some, it may result in a not-guilty verdict, while for others, it could reduce the offense’s severity.
Value of Property
Another partial defense to many theft crimes is arguing over the value of the property. For many crimes, the lower the value, the lesser the penalties. While it may not be a complete defense, arguing that the value of the property is less than the prosecutor purports can result in a less severe conviction.
Procedural and Constitutional Defenses
Procedural and constitutional defenses are available in all criminal cases, including theft cases. When you raise these defenses, you generally argue that the police or prosecutor violated your constitutional rights and that you deserve a remedy. You may also argue that they committed an error in the investigatory process, raising doubt about the evidence.
If you are successful, the remedy can be anything from complete dismissal, suppression of critical evidence, or a penalty for the prosecutor or police officers. Your lawyer will raise these defenses in pretrial motions instead of at trial. The court will hold a hearing, and both sides will present an argument. If done properly, these are some of the most successful defenses.
Failure to Meet Burden of Proof
You may have heard about the burden of proof. In every criminal case, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant doesn’t need to prove anything or present any evidence.
If the prosecutor fails to produce enough evidence to meet this burden, the defendant cannot be convicted. Your lawyer may argue that the prosecutor failed to meet their burden during a motion to strike at the end of the prosecutor’s case and during closing arguments.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Theft Crimes Lawyers For A Free Consultation
You shouldn’t expect that your case will resolve itself. Prosecutors in Prince George’s County take theft crimes very seriously. Chances are, if you don’t have a lawyer, the court will convict you.
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys is available to discuss your case during a free consultation. Call our law office today to speak with a Prince George’s County theft crime lawyer.