Horseshoe Casino Theft Lawyer
Theft is always a serious crime. Both on the misdemeanor and felony level, theft carries a potential of jail time and fines that could provide years of burden on an individual and their family. If an individual isn’t careful, a casino environment can sometimes foster some unfortunate, illegal situations. If you have been charged with theft at Horseshoe Casino, you need the experience of a Horseshoe Casino theft lawyer, who has the experience and resources necessary to help ensure your case is fought with the detail and attention it deserves.
Theft Laws in Maryland
Theft charges under Maryland law come in a couple of different classifications. Theft is defined as the intent to willfully and knowingly deprive property of an individual or owner by concealing the property itself and leaving the premises with it. With respect to the casino, some issues include unauthorized control over the property by deception, having personal properties stolen from a person, or the writing of bad checks. A Horseshoe Casino theft lawyer can help argue any and all of these accused charges.
Classification of Charges
In the state of Maryland, the charge of theft can be presented on many levels. They are classified by the value of the allegedly stolen property as such:
Misdemeanors
- $0 – $100: This is the lowest level theft offense in Maryland, and is commonly known as petty theft. The maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
- $100 – $1000: The maximum penalty is 18 months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
Felonies
- $1000 – $10,000: A maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a fine that does not exceed $10,000.
- $10,000 – $100,000: A maximum penalty of 15 years in jail and a fine that does not exceed $15,000.
- $100,000+: A maximum penalty of 25 years and a fine that does not exceed $25,000.
Inclusive of all felonies and misdemeanors, the individual has the order that the property must be returned or replaced in some reasonable fashion.
Other Theft Charges
- Credit Card Theft
- Identity Theft
Elements of Theft
In order to land a guilty charge, the prosecution must prove that the intent was to willfully deprive, or take property by way of concealment. They must also prove that the act was done in a fashion that would not be mistaken as being done with written or verbal permission. An experienced Horseshoe Casino theft attorney can aid greatly in discounting the prosecution’s evidence.
Effect of Prior Criminal Convictions
If an individual does something that puts their character into question, it will have an immediate impact on a judge’s disposition. Should an individual have prior convictions, and they have not learned from these prior convictions and are facing another, the judge will likely be much harsher. Also, if an individual had a prior conviction and has not yet paid back their penalties, the judge will take note. The judge will likely order the individual to not only pay their penalties, but put them in jail with a maximum fine on top of it. This is so when the individual goes through their probation, they will also have to make those payments. An individual’s previous criminal convictions weigh heavily in court.
Contacting a Lawyer
As soon as an individual is charged with theft, they should immediately contact a Horseshoe Casino theft attorney. This is crucial, because the further away from the date of the alleged crime, the less likely the accused will remember about it. It is extremely difficult to recall exact details, such as where the individual worked or went that day, six months down the line. It is of the utmost importance to get that information recorded immediately. Contacting an attorney can save an individual many hardships down the line, so the immediate need for a lawyer is certainly always there.