Theft, Embezzlement& Similar Offenses

Under the Maryland theft statutes, a person may not willfully or knowingly obtain or exert unauthorized control over property if the person intends to deprive the owner of the property or uses, conceals, or abandons the property in a manner that deprives, or will probably deprive, the owner of the property. A person further commits a theft if the person possesses stolen property knowing that it is stolen, or believing that it has probably been stolen, if the person intends to deprive the owner of the property or uses, conceals, or abandons the property in a manner that deprives, or will probably deprive, the owner of the property. Theft is further committed when a person obtains the services of another by deception or with knowledge that the services are provided without the consent of the person providing them. The Maryland theft statutes further provide that the conduct described above as theft includes crimes that were formally known as larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property.

A person convicted of theft of property or services having a value of $500 or more is. guilty of a felony and subject to imprisonment not exceeding 15 years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both. If the property or services have a value of less than $500, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months, a fine of up to $500, or both. If the property or services have a value of less than $100, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, a fine of up to $500, or both.

Theft is a very serious offense under Maryland law and you should obtain the services of an experienced attorney to assist you in your case. I have had extensive experience with theft offenses over the years, both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney, and can provide the skilled representation you need.