All theft crimes in the state of Maryland are serious and include burglary and robbery as well. While they are different, they all include taking another person’s property, unlawfully and/or by force. These charges can result in certain consequences. When facing these situations, it is crucial to retain the services of an experienced attorney to help your case.
Consequences of Theft
Theft covers a number of different offenses such as larceny, false pretenses, shoplifting, embezzlement, and more. In Maryland, the state has consolidated all these actions under one “Theft” statute. The consequences of these crimes can be very serious. Often times they are dependent on the value of the property that was stolen. There are also subsequent offender penalties increasing the amount of jail and fines for second, third, or more convictions. Consequences can consist of the following:
- If the stolen property is valued at under $100, consequences can include a misdemeanor charge, up to 90 days in jail, and a maximum $500 fine.
- If the property is valued between $100 and $1499, consequences can include a misdemeanor charge, up to 6 months in jail and a maximum $500 fine.
- If the property is valued between $1500 and $24,999, consequences can include up to 5 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. If the property is valued between $25,000 and $99,000, it can result in up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $15,000 fine. If the property is valued over $100,000, offenders can face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $e5,000 fine.
Consequences of Burglary
A person can be charged with burglary if they break into a commercial building or residence with the intention of committing a crime. Burglary does not always involve interaction with the victim. Consequences for these crimes can include:
- First-degree: If there was an intent to commit theft, it can result in up to 20 years in prison. If there was an intent to commit a violent crime, it can result in up to 25 years in prison.
- Second-degree: If there was an intent of theft, violence, or arson, they can face up to 15 years in jail. If there was an intent to steal a firearm, it can result in up to 20 years with a $10,000 fine.
- Third-degree: Can result in up to 10 years in jail if there was an intent to commit a crime.
- Fourth-degree: Breaking and entering a dwelling or business with no specific intent to commit a crime, being in possession of burglar’s tools with intent to commit a breaking and entering, or breaking and entering a motor vehicle are misdemeanor charges that can result in up to 3 years in jail.
- Burglary with a destructive device is a felony that can result in up to 20 years in prison.
- Breaking into a research facility is considered a felony and can result in up to 5 years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.
Consequences of Robbery
Unlike most theft and burglary, robbery does involve interaction with a victim. This can include intimidation, coercion, or force. Consequences of this charge can include:
- Robbery: Can result in up to 15 years in jail.
- Robbery with a dangerous weapon (armed robbery): Can result in up to 20 years in jail.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Howard County, Maryland who have been charged with a crime. If you are facing criminal charges, let our firm explore all possible defenses and fight to protect your future. We also represent individuals who have been injured by the negligence of another party. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
