Misdemeanor Theft

The term theft is used to encompass all crimes involving the unauthorized and intentional stealing, taking, or possessing of property. It is one of the most commonly filed misdemeanors as it encompasses the taking of both goods and services.  Misdemeanor theft can be charged when a defendant deprives, uses, conceals, or abandons another person's property that is valued at less than $1,500.  This includes shoplifting, which is not a separate crime under state law.  Property that may fall under the misdemeanor statute includes money, food and drink, and even animals such as birds and fish. Common services that fall under the  statute include labor and professional services, hotel services, and transportation services. The law is extremely detailed and offers precise definitions for each of the legal requirements of a theft. An experienced Maryland theft lawyer can examine your theft case and determine whether you may have possible defenses to your charges.

The conduct that constitutes theft must be knowing conduct, meaning that a defendant must be aware that he or she is committing a crime. The knowing requirement typically comes into play as a defense in misdemeanor theft cases. For example, a person cannot be charged with a crime if he or she forgets to pay a restaurant bill, mistakenly walks out of a store without paying for an item, or uses a good or service that he or she thought was free. The knowing requirement is less of an issue in felony cases, where a judge, jury, or prosecuting lawyer is less likely to believe that a defendant unknowingly acquired a good or service with a substantial monetary value.

Misdemeanor theft penalties are much less severe than felony penalties. The least serious crime is newspaper theft, which is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The maximum sentence for theft of property other than newspaper valued at less than $100 is 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. A person convicted of theft of property valued at less than $1,500 but more than $100 faces a maximum prison sentence of 6 months and a fine. Failure to return a rental motor vehicle is also a misdemeanor, and carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and a $500 fine.

Repeat offenders will typically face harsher sentences. A defendant with 2 or more prior theft convictions can face up to 1 year in prison for a misdemeanor theft conviction in addition to a fine. In order for prior theft convictions to be considered at sentencing, the prosecutor must provide the defense lawyer with notice of prior convictions at least 15 days before trial, or anytime before the acceptance of a guilty plea. If you have been cited or arrested for any theft crime, The Herbst Firm is available 24 hours a day for a free consultation.  Benjamin Herbst has handled hundred of these types of cases ranging from miniscule amounts to schemes adding up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.  He has the experience and the dedication to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.