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Silver Spring Shoplifting Lawyer

Shoplifting is a specific theft crime listed under the general theft section of the Maryland criminal statutes, and depending on the worth of a particular object, there may be severe penalties for those who violate any of these laws.

If you are facing charges for shoplifting, you may need to consult with a Silver Spring shoplifting lawyer. Failing to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney could mean years of prison, restitution payments, fines, and a mark on your record that could affect your future.

With a committed legal associate by your side, you could stand up for your rights in a more effective manner and seek a positive resolution to your case.

How Serious Is Shoplifting?

Maryland has a criminal statute concerning shoplifting and falls under Maryland Criminal Code § 7-104, which discusses possession of stolen property. It specifies shoplifting (i.e., theft in this statute), as knowingly, willfully, or deceptively taking possession of another’s property without their consent. Shoplifting, specifically, covers property obtained from a place of business.

Potential Penalties for Shoplifting

The penalties for a shoplifting crime in the State of Maryland vary according to the value of the item that you are accused of taking, and the value of the item can be the difference between a misdemeanor charge and a felony charge. A shoplifting attorney in Silver Spring could help someone accused shoplifting and defend their rights in criminal court:

  • Value of the property under $100 (§7-104(g)(3)) – a misdemeanor punishable by jail time of up to 90 days, a fine up to $500, a requirement to return the property or pay back the owner
  • Value of property between $100 and $1,499 (§7-104(g)(2)(i)(1)) – for a first offense, a misdemeanor punishable by jail time up to 6 months and a fine no more than $500
  • Value of property between $100 and $1,499 (§7-104(g)(2)(i)(2)) – for a second offense or more, a misdemeanor punishable by jail time up to 1 year and a fine of no more than $500
  • Value of property less than $1,500 with four or more prior convictions (§7-104(g)(4)) – a misdemeanor punishable by jail time up to 5 years, a fine no more than $5,000, and return the property or repay the owner
  • Value of property between $1,500 and $24,999 (§7-104(g)(1)(i)) – a felony punishable by jail time up to 5 years, a fine of no more than $10,000, as well as returning the property or repaying the owner
  • Value of property between $25,000 and $99,999 (§7-104(g)(1)(ii)) – a felony punishable by jail time up to 10 years, a fine no more than $15,000, as well as returning the property or repaying the owner
  • Value of property over $100,000 (§7-104(g)(1)(iii)) – a felony punishable by jail time up to 20 years, a fine no more than $25,000, as well as returning the property or repaying the owner

Reach Out to a Silver Spring Shoplifting Attorney Today

If you were charged with shoplifting, you might want to get professional aid to help handle the case. A Silver Spring shoplifting lawyer who is skilled in theft law in Maryland could review your situation and give you choices about how to proceed with the matter.

Local legal counsel may be able to alleviate the severity of the situation, so call today for a consultation to see what may be possible in your case.

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