Cecil County Theft Lawyer
Nothing can be worse than that feeling when you cannot find a missing item. But maybe it is worse when some person in authority accuses you of taking items that belong to another person. Sometimes we are in the wrong place at the wrong time or there are misunderstandings or the police make a mistake. It does not matter why the police may have accused you of theft. The important issue is taking the threat to your liberty and reputation seriously. Even an arrest could show up on background checks and prosecutors are never on your side. Speak with a Cecil county theft lawyer to get information on how the process works and what you could expect in your case. A dedicated criminal defense attorney may be able to help you plan an aggressive defense which may help you minimize or avoid the consequences of a theft charge.
Theft Laws in Cecil County
Theft may involve a wide array of offenses, such as larceny, tricking someone into giving another person their things, embezzling, shoplifting, receiving stolen property, among other acts. The Maryland legislature defined theft in the Criminal Code Section 7-104. The law does not allow a person to knowingly or willfully exercise control over property against the owner’s wishes if:
- The actor intends to stop the owner from enjoying the property
- Hides or uses the property to keep it from the owner
- Does something with the property knowing that the owner probably cannot find or use the property
A person may also not do any of the previously mentioned acts when the actor got control over property in the following circumstances:
- Tricking the owner
- Someone gives the actor stolen goods
- Keeping known mislaid, lost, or incorrectly delivered goods
It is also a type of theft if an actor tricks someone into providing services and not paying for them. If an alleged offender gives the actor stolen goods and the actor was not involved in the act of taking the goods from the owner, then the court cannot convict the actor as an accomplice. An experienced Cecil County theft attorney could examine the factors of a person’s case and work to establish a legally valid defense. Schedule an appointment and begin discussing potentially applicable legal solutions.
Potential Penalties for a Theft Conviction
If the value of the good stolen is at least $1,500, the court may convict the person of a felony, which typically means longer jail sentences. If the court concludes the value of the property taken is less than $25,000, the court may send the person to jail for not more than five years and issue a fine of no more than $10,000. If the property was worth $25,000, up to $100,000, then the court may sentence the person to up to 10 years in jail and a fine of no more than $15,000.
When the property involved is worth $100,000 or more, the court can send the convicted person to jail for up to 20 years and issue a fine of up to $25,000. In each case, the court will order that the actor return the stolen property to the owner.
For less valuable property, the act may be considered a misdemeanor. If the property was worth at least $100, then the court may put that person in jail for up to six months and order a fine of up to $500. The penalties for theft can be severe, which is why it may be essential to reach out to a dedicated defense attorney serving Cecil County.
Talk to a Cecil County Theft Attorney
One of the major deciding factors in a theft case is the value of the goods at issue and the actor’s intentions. A knowledgeable attorney may be helpful in helping you figure out the best defenses to any charges the police may bring against you.
Do not hesitate to reach out to a Cecil County theft lawyer if you are concerned about the matters discussed above. Your freedom and reputation are important and you should do everything you can to protect them. A call today may be invaluable to ensure the best possible outcome in your situation.