Prince George’s County Theft Lawyer
Unfortunately, it is possible that the police may accuse you of stealing merely based on a misunderstanding. No matter why you may be concerned about possible pending charges, you may need to be prepared to defend yourself in court.
If the government suspects you of stealing another person’s property, you may be at risk of jail time, hefty fines, or probation. You may also suffer from a loss of reputation, and the government may prohibit you from holding certain jobs.
Contact a Prince George’s County theft lawyer who may be able to help you figure out your options and the most reliable strategies to protect yourself. An aggressive defense attorney may be the missing item you need to ensure the best outcome.
Theft in Prince George’s County
Elements of Theft
If a prosecutor wishes to pursue an action against an alleged theft, the prosecutor must prove each element of the crime. The law is described in Maryland Criminal Law §7-104. A person may not:
- Knowingly or willfully get or exercise control over property,
- That belongs to another person,
- Without that other person’s authorization,
- With the intention to keep the property from the owner.
Common Types of Theft
There are many types of robbery offenses which are dealt with under one statute:
- larceny,
- theft through deception,
- possessing stolen goods,
- taking control of lost goods,
- obtaining services by fraud,
- embezzlement, and
- shoplifting.
Potential Penalties for a Theft Conviction
If a person steals property worth $1,500 or more, that is a felony. If the value of the goods is less than $25,000, the court could convict that person and sentence them to jail for up to five years and order that person pay a fine of no more than $10,000.
If the property is worth $25,000 up to $100,000, then the court may sentence that person to up to ten years in jail and order a fine of up to $15,000. Property worth $100,000 or more is the highest level of theft. Once the court finds a person guilty of this act, the court could send that person to jail for up to 20 years and order a fine of $25,000 or less.
If the property is worth at least $100 and less than $1,500, the court may convict that person of a misdemeanor. The first time the court convicts a person of this act, the court may send that person to jail for up to six months and order them pay a fine of no more than $500. If the property is worth less than $100, the court could send that person to jail for up to 90 days and order them pay a fine of no more than $500.
In all cases of theft, the alleged actor must return the stolen goods. The court must prove the value of the taken items before sentencing.
Learn More from a Prince George’s County Theft Attorney Today
An accusation of larceny may affect your life, your freedom, and your rights. You may have to disclose felonies on future job or lease applications. You may not be able to have certain positions because of the theft. Sometimes the best choice is figuring out the possible outcomes so you can choose the best path forward.
A Prince George’s County theft lawyer may be able to inform you of what you can expect and give you some ideas of how you could achieve a satisfactory outcome. Taking action quickly may help ensure adequate protection.
