Ellicott City Theft Lawyer
Most understand that taking something that does not belong to you is wrong. The problem may arise when there are misunderstandings or false accusations. It is necessary to be aware of the different rules related to theft in order to avoid issues, or to be armed with knowledge if the police suspect you of some form of stealing.
Theft may include taking office supplies home or not returning an item on time. No matter what type of larceny is at issue, deal with any legal case quickly.
If you are facing charges, you may find the services of an Ellicott City theft lawyer to be invaluable. There are too many variables that may affect the outcome of a case.
A seasoned defense attorney may help you avoid some or all of the possible related consequences, such as having to disclose any past convictions related to stealing on future job applications. Your freedom and future are too precious to leave up to chance. En Español.
Ellicott City Theft Laws
In Ellicott City, theft covers a large array of acts, which include:
- Embezzlement,
- Shoplifting,
- Larceny,
- Misrepresentation
- Receiving stolen property.
For more information about theft laws, reach out to a knowledgeable Ellicott City theft attorney.
Definition of Theft
Theft is defined in the Maryland Criminal Law §7-104. This code states a person may not obtain or exercise control without permission over another person’s property in the following situations: the property holder wants to keep the property from the rightful owner, utilized, hides or throws away property in such a way that the property holder knows the owner will not be able to discover the property, or employs, hides or throws away property in such a way the owner probably cannot discover the property.
Other Ways to Commit Theft
The statue also states that people may not use deception to get property away from the rightful owner, knowingly possess stolen goods or lost goods, or receive free services by tricking the provider of the services.
If the arrested person did not know the goods were stolen, the government cannot find that person guilty of possessing stolen goods.
Potential Penalties for Theft
An essential factor in penalties for stealing involves the value of the stolen goods. If the goods are worth $1,500 or more, the court may find a defendant guilty of a felony. A felony can include at least one year in jail and a permanent record which a person must disclose under certain circumstances.
Typically the value of the goods is determined by the courts and may be an essential part of a theft proceeding. For goods worth between $1,500 and $25,000, the court can send a person to prison for up to five years and order that person to pay a fine of no more than $10,000.
If the property involved had a value between $25,000 and $100,000, that could result in a 10-year term of imprisonment and up to $15,000 in fines. For more valuable property, the court could sentence a person to up to 20 years in jail and order that person pays up to $25,000 in fines.
When the property is worth less $1,500, that is a misdemeanor, which typically will result in less than a year of jail time and some smaller fines. Individuals facing theft penalties should reach out to an experienced lawyer.
Get More Information from an Ellicott City Theft Attorney
A charge of larceny can drastically affect your life. Though there may be good defense strategies available to you, you may wish to learn more from an attorney to receive the most accurate information about what you may be facing.
An Ellicott City theft lawyer may possess the knowledge and skills necessary to help you decide the best course of action and adequately protect yourself. You have the right to an attorney, so you should take advantage of it and educate yourself on possible outcomes and your rights.