Everybody knows it is wrong to shoplift, however, people sometimes have lapses of judgment. In other cases, people accidentally leave the store with an item without paying and find themselves in serious trouble. No matter your circumstances, if you have been charged with shoplifting in Maryland, you must continue reading and retain the services of an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney who can work to shield you from the ramifications of your alleged crime. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the penalties for shoplifting in Maryland?
There are various potential penalties for shoplifting in the state of Maryland. The greater the value of the item stolen, the more severe the penalties you may face. The consequences for shoplifting in Maryland are, generally, as follows:
- Stolen property valued at no more than $99: This is considered Misdemeanor Theft, which can warrant up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- Stolen property valued between $100-$1,499: This is also considered Misdemeanor Theft, which can warrant up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine.
- Stolen property valued between $1,500-$24,999: This is Felony Theft, and can warrant up to 5 years in prison, as well as a $10,000 fine.
- Stolen property valued between $25,000-$99,999: This is Felony Theft, which can warrant up to 10 years in prison and a potential $15,000 fine.
- Stolen property valued more than $100,000: This is also considered Felony Theft, which can warrant up to 20 years in prison and a potential $35,000 fine.
Are there any potential defenses against a shoplifting charge?
Obviously, the consequences of shoplifting charges can be quite severe, which is why if you are facing shoplifting charges in Maryland, you must hire an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney who can analyze the circumstances of your alleged crime and work to utilize the best defense possible on your behalf. Though the strategy our firm chooses will depend on the specifics of your situation, the main thing to keep in mind is that to prove someone was shoplifting, intent must also be proven. This means that the other party will have to prove that you knowingly and purposefully concealed the item with the intent to deprive the store owner of that item without paying for it. If we can prove that there was no intent, we will most likely have a strong case.
Contact our experienced Maryland firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Anne Arundel County and Howard County, Maryland who need legal assistance for criminal defense or personal injury matters. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
