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College Park Theft Lawyer

People tend to not enjoy interactions with the police. It can be even worse when they accuse you of committing a crime. Theft is the act of knowingly taking the private property of another. A charge of theft may not only affect your freedom, but it may go on your permanent record and stop you from having employment or positions that require honesty.

If you are concerned that the government may accuse you or a loved one of an act of theft, you may wish to speak with an attorney. The criminal legal process is complex and often requires specific knowledge in order to navigate it effectively.

The police and state prosecutors are highly familiar with the process. It may be vital to enlist the services of a College Park theft lawyer who can advise you of your rights and help you build a strong defense in case you are at risk of being charged with theft.

Maryland Theft Laws

In Maryland, the law of theft includes the following acts:

The government can find a person guilty of theft if they knowingly deprive another person of their property by some act. It is theft if a person gets control over property using deception with the intention to deprive another person of their property. Possessing stolen or lost property is also theft.

Penalties for Theft

If the property taken is worth $100,000 or more, the actor is guilty of felony theft and the court can sentence that person to no more than twenty years in jail and a fine of no more than $25,000. If the property taken is worth at least $25,000, up to $100,000, the actor is guilty of felony theft and the court can sentence that person to no more than ten years in jail and a fine of no more than $15,000.

Examples of Property Theft Cases

If the property taken is worth at least $1,500, but less than $25,000, the actor is guilty of felony theft and the court can sentence that person to no more than five years in jail and a fine of no more than $10,000. If the property taken is worth at least $100, but less than $1,500, the actor is guilty of misdemeanor theft and for the first offense, the court can sentence that person to no more than six months in jail and a fine of no more than $500. If court convicts the actor of a second offense, the court can sentence that person to no more than one year in jail and a fine of no more than $500.

If the property taken is worth less than $100, the actor is guilty of a misdemeanor and the court can sentence that person to no more than 90 days in jail and a fine of no more than $500. In all events, the court will order the convicted person to return either the stolen property or the value of the stolen property or services to the owner.

Talk to a College Park Theft Attorney

If the government has accused you or a loved one of theft, make sure you do not face the prosecutor alone. Consider hiring a College Park theft lawyer to help you figure out if any defenses are available to you and what the best strategy would be to deal with the legal process. Reach out today.