Theft crimes in Maryland can include shoplifting, theft, and robbery, resulting in misdemeanor charges or felonies. Fines, costs, and jail or prison time can come with a theft crime charge, putting your liberty in jeopardy. If you have been charged with a crime involving theft, robbery, shoplifting, or a similar crime in Rockville, MD, you need skilled legal help from a Rockville theft crimes lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney will carefully examine the facts of your case, identify your defense strategy, and fight hard to protect your legal rights.
The proven theft crimes lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys will make a strong defense in your case if you have been charged with any type of theft crime. We have a strong track record defending clients accused of theft crimes, and we will give you strong legal representation at every step in the legal process. Contact our theft crimes legal team today at (301) 364-3195 to schedule your free consultation.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Face Theft Crime Charges in Rockville, MD
If you are charged with a crime in Rockville, Maryland, your reputation, career, and even freedom might be threatened by a criminal conviction. The criminal justice process is an intimidating and confusing system for those who face criminal charges. Our dedicated criminal defense team will put in the time and resources to fight the legal battle on your behalf.
When you hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to defend you in a theft crimes case, we will:
- Work with you to understand the facts of your case and the evidence involved, and build your legal defense strategy.
- Represent you at all court appearances to make sure your Constitutional rights are protected at all stages, and argue on your behalf.
- Collect evidence from the prosecution and from any potential source of evidence that can exonerate you from the charge against you.
- File motions to suppress evidence if law enforcement collected any evidence in violation of your Constitutional rights.
- Negotiate with the prosecution to discuss potential plea agreements – especially agreements that can include reduction or dismissal of charges.
- Take your case to a jury trial when justice demands it.
- Listen to you and keep you updated at every step in your case.
To learn more about how our Rockville theft crimes attorneys can help, schedule a free consultation through our office today.
Understanding Theft Crimes in Maryland
In Maryland, a person can be charged with different theft crimes depending on the facts involved. Different defenses could apply to each crime, based on the accused defendant’s version of events.
Theft
Section 7-102 of Maryland’s criminal law code covers the charge of theft. Theft can include any of the following acts:
- Larceny
- Embezzlement
- Shoplifting
- False pretenses
- Receiving stolen property
Any one of these allegations requires the prosecution to prove you acted with intent to take from someone else. Taking by accident or mistake, or with the good faith belief you were entitled to the property, could be valid defenses to the charge of theft.
Robbery
Crimes of robbery are covered by Section 3-401 of the Maryland Criminal Law Code. Under Maryland law, robbery is the taking of property away from another person through an act of violence, force, or a threat of violence or force. Anything of value can be considered the item taken through robbery. There is no minimum value to the property involved. A robbery conviction is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Items taken through robbery can include:
- Money
- Physical property and keepsakes
- Real estate
- Written documents, including commercial instruments and business documents
- Utilities
- Animals and pets
- Food and beverages
- Samples and specimens
- Information and data, including trade secrets
Robbery must include the intent to permanently deprive another person of the property in question. The prosecution must prove the defendant acted knowingly and with intent to commit the act they are accused of.
Carjacking
Carjacking under Maryland law is taking possession of another person’s vehicle through threat, intimidation, force, or violence. Carjacking does not require the use of a weapon, but armed carjacking falls within this statute. The prosecution does not have to prove that the defendant intended to take the vehicle permanently. Taking a vehicle for any amount of time through force or threat can result in the charge of carjacking. This crime can carry a penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Additionally, a sentence for carjacking can run consecutively to other crimes committed during a carjacking.
Defenses to Theft Crime Charges
Potential defenses to theft crime charges in Maryland can include any of the following and more:
- You had an honest, good-faith belief that you were entitled to take control over the property in question, through your role as an employee or agent, for example, the property taken belonged to your spouse.
- You had rightful knowledge of a trade secret if you are accused of taking trade secrets.
All theft crime charges require proof of knowledge and intent, so it can be a valid defense that you did not intend to take the property you were accused of stealing.
Contact a Rockville Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer Today
With the help of a proven criminal defense lawyer, you can take on theft crime charges in Rockville, MD, with confidence that your rights are protected every step of the way. Theft crimes can carry serious penalties, including jail and prison time. You want experienced and trustworthy legal help on your side. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Rockville theft crimes lawyers know the challenges you face and will build a strong defense to any charge against you. Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation today.