Frederick County Theft Lawyer
Theft laws help protect property rights, and violating these laws involves taking someone else’s property with the intention of keeping it.
If you have been accused of theft, it is a good idea to seek out an attorney with a strong understanding of theft laws for help effectively navigating the legal process. Seth Okin, an experienced Frederick County theft lawyer, is prepared to advocate fiercely for your legal rights to get you the best possible case resolution.
What Is Theft?
The state defines theft as intentionally obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over property that belongs to someone else. If you possess stolen property or engage in deception to take another person’s property without permission, you could be charged with theft.
The severity of the charge is based on the value of the stolen goods. If you have been accused of theft, a knowledgeable theft attorney in Frederick County could help protect your rights.
The Elements of Theft Charges
The prosecution must demonstrate that two elements were present in order to obtain a larceny conviction, and a Frederick County lawyer could defend you by disproving these elements. First, the prosecution must show that the accused took possession of someone else’s property without permission. Second, they must prove that the accused intended to permanently keep the property away from the rightful owner.
Obtaining property through trickery or any other form of deceit aside from physically taking it also qualifies as theft. Additionally, possessing property that you know was stolen or believe was likely stolen is a form of theft.
Classifying Charges by the Value of the Stolen Property
The stolen property’s value determines the severity of the theft charge, which may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. A Frederick County larceny attorney could evaluate your situation to argue your case.
Misdemeanor Theft Charges
If the value of the property that was stolen is under $100, a conviction could carry up to three months in jail. For theft of property that is valued from $100 to $1,000, the charge is a misdemeanor that could carry up to 18 months in jail.
Felony Theft Charges
For felony theft charges of property that is valued from $1,000 to $10,000, a conviction could carry up to 10 years in prison. When the value ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, a conviction could carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. If the value of the stolen property exceeds $100,000, a conviction could carry up to 25 years in prison.
Factors Affecting a Theft Charge
In addition to the value of the property stolen, there are several factors that can directly affect a theft charge, as an attorney in Frederick County could explain.
Prior Convictions
If you have one or more prior larceny convictions on your record, you could receive a harsher legal penalty. Even a past misdemeanor theft conviction could increase the severity of the penalties you face if your current charge leads to a conviction.
Circumstances of the Theft Charge
Certain circumstances tend to result in elevated charges. One such circumstance involves theft of certain types of property, such as vehicles, drugs, or firearms. Gun theft is a separate felony offense, and vehicle theft is automatically a felony.
Use of force or violence during theft that violates a relationship of trust, such as stealing from an employer, could also result in stricter penalties. Furthermore, theft schemes in which multiple acts of theft are involved could lead to a higher overall property value, potentially translating to more serious charges and penalties.
Contact an Experienced Theft Attorney in Frederick County Today
If you have been accused of larceny, you should consider working with an accomplished Frederick County theft lawyer who has earned an impressive reputation for guiding challenging cases like yours toward optimal outcomes. Contact Maryland criminal lawyer Seth Okin today and schedule a free case evaluation to learn how he could help.
