Anne Arundel County Theft Lawyer

Theft, shoplifting, burglary — all of these crimes fall under the category of theft and larceny offenses. Often these are offenses that are committed under severe duress. At times, these charges may be the result of a genuine misunderstanding. Whatever the background, conviction of these crimes can result in severe penalties depending on the value of the items stolen. An experienced Anne Arundel County theft lawyer can help residents of Anne Arundel County build a strong defense against theft charges and will explore every possible avenue to see that the charges are dismissed or, if that is not possible, reduced. Or, look here for information on other criminal charges in Anne Arundel.

The Benefit of an Anne Arundel Theft Lawyer

Seth Okin and his legal team are ready to work with prosecutors to secure the best possible outcome for our clients, and they are equally ready to fight those cases in court when necessary. Whether a case can be settled, or must be taken to court, is due in large part to an attorney’s understanding of local authorities, law enforcement practices, and Anne Arundel County judges. That in-depth understanding of the county – which is part of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area – can prove key to the success of your case.

A local theft attorney knows that Anne Arundel County happens to be the seat of many state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Housing and Community Development. Though the county boasts a median family income of more than $60,000, more than three percent of families living within Anne Arundel Country struggle at or below the poverty line. All those factors have not only an influence on what types of crimes are prosecuted in the county, but also how aggressively those offenses are prosecuted. A dedicated Anne Arundel County theft lawyer can use his knowledge to negotiate and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. It is also important for you to understand those distinctions, and the basic guidelines to a theft charge, so that you will be prepared for the challenges you will likely face.

What is Theft in Anne Arundel County?

The term “theft” is generally used to refer to the taking of someone’s property without permission. Theft can refer to a number of offenses, but most commonly involves shoplifting, robbery, and burglary. While shoplifting is typically thought of as a fairly minor offence, it can bring serious charges and consequences depending on the amount and value of the loss. Robbery and burglary are both serious crimes that can result in incarceration and extensive fines. The most devastating aspect of these convictions is that they can have long-lasting repercussions, particularly in regard to your ability to enjoy a successful career in the field of your choice.

Penalties for Theft in Anne Arundel County

In Maryland, penalties for theft typically vary based on the value of the items that were stolen. Under the Maryland Criminal Code Section 7-104, penalties for theft of items worth less than $100 may include approximately 90 days in prison and/or a fine of $500. In the case of theft of items that are more than $100 and less than $1,000 in value, the prison sentence may increase to 18 months, and the person may also be fined $500. Also, when the value of the items is less than $ 1,000, the charge is a misdemeanor.

However, when the value of the items is more than $1,000, the person may be charged with a felony. A felony charge is infinitely more serious than a misdemeanor and it may involve hefty penalties and prison sentences. For instance, if the value of the items is between $1,000 and $10,000, you may face a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or a maximum fine of $10,000, or both.

If the value of the items stolen is more than $10,000 and less than $100,000, then the penalty increases to a maximum of 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $50,000, or both. If the value of the items stolen is more than $100,000, the penalties increase to a maximum of 25 years in prison, or up to $25,000 in fines, or both.

Other Consequences of a Theft Conviction

Convictions for robbery, shoplifting, burglary, and other theft-related crimes are often looked at with extreme suspicion by potential employers and housing authorities, as well as banks and other institutions that may require background checks. If you are convicted of such a crime, you may lose your job. You may also find that you are presumed to be guilty by your colleagues, employers, and society as a whole before your case even goes to trial. That stigma can make it difficult to find a new job, particularly in the field of financial services, accounting, stock trading, and other areas of the financial sector.

An Anne Arundel Theft Lawyer Can Help

If you have been charged with theft, or you are under investigation and facing the possibility of a theft charge, you should consult with a dedicated Anne Arundel County theft attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you contact dedicated legal counsel, the faster they can begin to evaluate your case — including all the evidence that the prosecution has amassed — and to build your defense strategy.

An experienced criminal defense attorney will have the resources to conduct his own investigation of the matter, including gathering evidence and witness statements that can bolster your defense. An aggressive Anne Arundel theft lawyer will be able to quickly identify any areas of weakness on the part of the prosecution and can use that information to negotiate a favorable settlement or, if necessary, to undermine the prosecution’s case in court. Seth Okin has extensive experience fighting these types of cases, and he is well-suited for handling your criminal charge. Call his law office today for a free case evaluation and to find out how he can help you defend not only your record, but your freedom and your future.