Maryland Theft Defense Attorneys

Reputable Lawyers Defending Against Theft Charges in Maryland

While theft may not at first glance appear to be the most serious of crimes, and compared to some crimes it is not, theft has additional consequences that are associated with a conviction. This is because in Maryland, theft is considered a crime of "moral turpitude." In other words, in Maryland theft is considered a crime of dishonesty. As a result, even a conviction for small theft can result in a defendant being unable to continue in their present employment or obtain new employment if honesty is a requirement for that job (cashier, bookkeeper, or anyone else who handles money). If you have been charged with theft, whether it is from your employer, from someone you know, or from a stranger, you should immediately seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney.

In these types of cases, experience matters. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, our criminal defense attorneys have over 60 years of combined experience, with Mr. Kadish in his fourth decade of practice representing criminal defendants and Mr. Coyne in his third decade of practice.

How Is Theft Prosecuted in Maryland?

The severity of a theft offense largely depends on the total value of the property or assets that were unlawfully seized. The penalties can be described as follows:

Theft of Under $100 in Total Value: This is a misdemeanor offense carrying up to 90 days in jail as well as a possible $500 fine.
Theft of at Least $100 but Less Than $1,500 in Total Value: This is a misdemeanor offense carrying up to six months in prison (or a year for a second offense), as well as a possible $500 fine.
Theft of at Least $1,500 but Less than $25,000 in Total Value: This is a felony offense carrying up to five years in prison as well as a possible $10,000 fine.
Theft of at Least $25,000 but Less than $100,000: This offense could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years and a possible $15,000 fine.
Theft of $100,000 or more: In these cases, a conviction could result in a sentence of up to 20 years and a possible $25,000.

Additionally, anyone convicted of theft may be ordered to pay appropriate restitution to the victim or give back the stolen property.

What Counts as Theft?

In Maryland, the crime of theft is understood to mean taking unauthorized control over somebody else's property with the intent to deprive them of that property. Acts that directly constitute theft in Maryland include:

Larceny
Embezzlement
Shoplifting
Knowingly buying or receiving stolen property
Obtaining property under false pretenses

Not all acts of theft involve tangible goods. You could also be charged with theft if you receive a paid service through deception or knowingly receive a paid service without the consent of the service provider.

Defending Against a Theft Charge

To be charged with theft, the prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant intended to deprive another person of their rightful property. Oftentimes, there are disputes between parties as to how much was taken without permission or if something was even taken at all. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we listen to the entire sequence of events, both from our client and from the state's disclosures, to formulate winning defenses for our clients who are charged with theft.

Additionally, we can challenge false accusations and mistakes of fact in court. If you have been charged with theft without solid evidence that you stole from someone else or intended to deprive them of property, we will attack the prosecution's case to reveal its weaknesses and flaws.

Contact a Maryland Theft Defense Lawyer

Property crimes can be costly in more ways than one. At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, our theft defense attorneys are here to look out for your best interests in the courtroom, working toward an ideal outcome on your behalf. To set up a free consultation today, call our firm at 410-837-0020 or reach out to us online.