Prince George’s County Theft Lawyer
Theft is a crime that involves taking the property of another person or an entity without permission. There are many different types of theft, but the premise of all theft charges remains the same. In addition to taking property without permission, the individual accused of taking the property must intend to keep the property indefinitely.
Theft is a serious crime, and if you have been charged with taking the property of another person or company, you will probably need help from a Prince George’s County theft lawyer. Contact a skilled criminal attorney to learn more about the various types of theft and how they are prosecuted. En Español.
What Constitutes Theft?
In the state of Maryland, theft is defined as willfully taking the property of another person without their permission, but it may also refer to concealing or intentionally using the property of another person. The following acts can also be considered theft under state laws:
- Possessing a property known to be stolen
- Using deception or misleading information to gain control of a property belonging to someone else
- Assuming control of misplaced or misdelivered property without notifying the owner
- Using deception or misleading information to secure services meant for someone else
- Refusing to compensate the provider of a service after it is rendered
Anyone who is believed to have engaged in the acts listed above can be charged with theft, and to prove their innocence, they will probably need help from a PG County theft lawyer.
Petty vs. Grand Theft
There are two distinct classes of theft in virtually every state. Petty theft is the less serious class, and it is usually considered to be a misdemeanor. It involves taking property or services that amounts to less than $1,000.
If the item is less than $100, the accused individual will be charged a fine of up to $500 and can receive up to 90 days in jail, and if it is between $101 and $1000, an individual can receive up to 18 months in jail and $1,000 fine.
What is a Grand Theft Offense?
On the other hand, grand theft occurs when a person takes an expensive item. In Maryland, individuals who are charged with taking items valued between $1,000 and $10,000 will face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Individuals charged with taking an item valued between $10,000 and $100,000 will face up 15 years in prison and a fine of $15,000.
Those unfortunate enough to be charged with stealing an item in excess of $100,000 will face up to 25 years in prison or a $25,000 fine. Individuals charged with either petty or grand theft should contact a PG County theft lawyer at their earliest convenience.
Possible Defenses Against Theft Charges
A Prince George’s County theft attorney might use the following defenses during a trial:
- The defendant was intoxicated
- The defendant intended to return the property
- The defendant committed the crime under duress
- The actions of the defendant do not constitute theft
Defendants will need to work closely with their lawyer to come up with a legal strategy.
Contact a Prince George’s County Theft Attorney
If you have been charged with any type of theft, you will need to hire an experienced attorney who understands the law. Depending on the nature of your case, your attorney may be able to get your charges dismissed or reduced. Contact a Prince George’s County theft lawyer for more information.