Frederick County Theft Lawyer

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Theft-related offenses range from shoplifting a small item from a retail store to stealing thousands of dollars from a neighbor or acquaintance. While all of these charges should be taken seriously, the penalties for a conviction become more severe as the value of the stolen property increases.

If you are accused of theft, a Frederick County theft lawyer could help you. There are various options for contesting these charges, and the right defense attorney could help you avoid a conviction.

How Does the Law Define Theft?

Theft is knowingly taking control of someone else’s property with the intention of depriving them of it. The law penalizes more than just taking something to sell it; exerting control could also include hiding or abandoning the property. Any act that intentionally deprives someone of ownership qualifies as theft.

The circumstances surrounding theft differ significantly. It might involve taking someone’s property from their home or yard or keeping something that was loaned after the owner revoked permission. Theft can also involve obtaining services through deception or without the owner’s consent.

In any of these situations, prosecutors could pursue criminal charges. While being arrested and facing the prospect of jail is overwhelming, avoiding a conviction may be possible with the help of a theft attorney in Frederick County.

Defense Options

Hiring a Frederick County theft attorney is the best way to develop a strong defense and fight back against these charges. There are different ways to approach each case from a defense standpoint, but the right strategy depends on the facts. Some common approaches include the following:

Lack of Evidence

Like any criminal charge, theft crimes must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution may not always meet this stringent requirement, making it possible to highlight the weakness of the state’s evidence as a viable strategy.

Actual Innocence

The most straightforward defense is to assert that the accused did not commit the crime in any way, shape, or form. They might claim mistaken identity or dispute the allegation that they were present when the property was taken.

Consent

Theft involves taking someone else’s property without their permission. Therefore, having their consent is the ultimate defense. Some theft allegations stem from honest misunderstandings, and arrests can happen when the police do not take the time to get all of the facts. It is important to note that the owner of the property has the right to revoke their consent at any point.

Duress

One defense strategy that is rarely used but often successful is duress. A person is only guilty of theft if they knowingly take someone else’s property with the intention of depriving them of it. If the accused was under duress and forced to commit this act, they do not have the necessary intent to be guilty of the crime.

Call a Frederick County Theft Attorney to Discuss Your Case

If you have been charged with a theft offense, it is crucial that you seek an attorney as soon as possible. Strong legal counsel could help you achieve the best possible outcome. You could strengthen your case by contacting a Frederick County theft lawyer at Price Benowitz as soon as possible. Call now.