If you have been charged with a theft crime, you are facing very serious consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. Theft crimes not only include theft itself but burglary and robbery as well. If facing such significant charges, it is important that you obtain an attorney with the skill and experience it takes to effectively fight your charges and help you avoid years behind bars. Our Annapolis theft attorneys have decades of experience representing clients in Maryland who are facing theft, burglary, and robbery charges. For zealous legal representation when it matters most, contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today.
What is the difference between theft crimes?
It is easy to confuse theft, robbery, and burglary because they are all quite similar. A theft crime is taking someone else’s property without actually having any interaction with the party being stolen from. Robbery does involve interaction with the victim, typically involving intimidation, coercion, and/or force. A person can be charged with burglary if they simply break into a building or residence with the intent to commit a crime. There does not need to be any interaction with the victim in a burglary. A person can still be charged with burglary and robbery even if they are unsuccessful in the crimes they aim to commit.
Consequences of Maryland Theft Charges
The consequences of a theft charge in Maryland are serious. Theft is a blanket term that can include a number of offenses, including larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, shoplifting, and receiving stolen property. When it comes to determining the consequences of a theft crime, they are largely dependent on the value of the property that was stolen.
- Petty theft occurs when the stolen property is valued at no more than $100 and can result in a misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail, and a $500 fine.
- Misdemeanor theft occurs when the stolen property is valued between $100 and $1000. This may result in up to 18 months in jail and a $500 fine.
- Felony theft of property that is valued between $1000 and $10,000 can result in up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Felony theft of property that is valued between $10,000 and $100,000 can result in up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
- Felony theft of property that is valued over $100,000 can result in up to 25 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Burglary Charges in Maryland
If you are charged with burglary, you can face anything from a misdemeanor to a felony.
- First-degree burglary is a felony that can result in up to 20 years in jail if there was an intent to commit theft and up to 25 years in jail for the intent to commit a violent crime.
- Second-degree burglary is a felony that can result in up to 15 years in jail for the intent to commit a crime of theft, violence, or arson. This charge can result in up to 20 years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine if there is intent to steal a firearm.
- Third-degree burglary is a felony that can result in up to 10 years in jail for the intention of unlawfully entering a property with the intent to commit a crime.
- Fourth-degree burglary is a misdemeanor charge 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 a felony that can result in up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
- Possession of burglar’s tools is a misdemeanor that can result in up to 3 years in jail.
Robbery Charges in Maryland
If you are charged with robbery, the crime can fall into one of two categories:
- Robbery is a felony that can result in up to 15 years in jail.
- Armed robbery is a felony that can result in up to 20 years in jail. Armed robbery or attempted armed robbery involves the use of a dangerous weapon or claiming to have a dangerous weapon.
Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz
If you have been arrested and charged with a theft crime, including burglary and robbery, you need an effective and knowledgeable attorney that can fight for your future. The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients who face such serious charges. Our aggressive criminal defense has been a critical tool for many of our happy clients. While past results do not guarantee similar outcomes, we are fully prepared to provide the same dedication and skill to your case as we do anyone who retains our services. Contact our firm today for the strong criminal defense you deserve.
