Theft is a general legal term that is at least a factor in any incident in which someone takes property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of possession. The specific charge will partly depend on the method used. For example:

Burglary = illegal entry for purpose of another crime, usually theft
Shoplifting = taking goods from sales establishment without intent to pay
Robbery = taking directly from a person by use of force, threat, or intimidation

There are a number of other crimes involving theft, such as extortion, embezzlement, and identity theft. Fraud or other criminal acts are also involved in many kinds of theft, so criminal charges for theft can become very complex.  Every state has its own statutes of specific charges, and Maryland is no exception.

Specific theft crimes can vary in severity from misdemeanor to felony, depending on the value of the stolen property and whether or not violence was involved. The criminal record of the accused will also have an impact on the possible sentences a court may impose. When facing a theft charge, you will very likely face a list of legal terms that may be difficult to understand. That is why it is important to retain a skilled theft defense attorney as soon as possible. Once you understand the specifics of the charges, you and your lawyer will be able to prepare a defense that addresses every important aspect of the case against you.

The experience that our firm can put at your disposal includes over thirty years of prosecution and defense of criminal cases, including theft defense. Having an experienced Maryland theft defense attorney on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. For a free initial consultation, contact our office by calling (301) 474-5550 or any of our alternate phone numbers, or send us a brief outline of your situation on our "contact us" page.