Theft and Robbery
Theft Crimes Attorney in Glen Burnie and Anne Arundel County, MD
Theft or robbery charges can result in steep fines, probation, jail time, and other consequences that affect your opportunities for housing, employment, and education. Being charged with theft or robbery can also affect your relationships with friends and family and your ability to retain custody of your children. If you are charged with misdemeanor or felony theft, burglary, or robbery, you need the guidance and assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. At the Law Office of Peter S. O'Neill, Mr. O'Neill and his team have successfully defended clients facing robbery, theft, and burglary charges. Call now to schedule a consultation with our theft crimes attorney in Glen Burnie, MD, and Anne Arundel County.
The Difference Between Burglary, Theft, and Robbery
Maryland law differentiates between robbery and theft based on how the person charged stole the property. Robbery involves taking property directly from another individual with the use of force or threat of force and is always charged as a felony offense. Burglary involves unlawfully entering a property with the intent to steal or commit vandalism or another crime and can be a misdemeanor or felony charge depending on the circumstances of the crime, the age and criminal history of the perpetrator, and the value of property taken or damaged. Theft is taking goods, property, or services without paying for them. Theft charges can include embezzlement, shoplifting, and writing bad checks. Depending on the value of the property or services, theft can be a felony or a misdemeanor charge.
Different Types of Theft Crimes and Their Consequences
The state of Maryland classifies theft crimes based on the circumstances of the crime and the value of the property that was stolen. No matter the charge, theft, robbery, and burglary crimes require the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The most common theft crimes in Maryland are:
- Auto Theft Crime – Auto theft is also called motor vehicle theft or grand theft auto. You can be charged with auto theft if you knowingly and willfully take a vehicle without the owner’s consent, even if you intend to return it. Auto theft is considered a felony and can result in probation or up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
- Misdemeanor Theft – Misdemeanor theft is the theft of property or services valued at less than $1,500. The consequences can include fines, restitution, community service, probation, or imprisonment for up to 18 months.
- Felony Theft or Grand Theft Crime – Felony theft is the theft of property or services valued at more than $1,500. The consequences can include imprisonment of 5-20 years, depending on the value of the property stolen and the circumstances of the crime.
- Felony Robbery – Robbery is taking property from another person by force or the threat of force. If a gun or weapon is used, the charge is armed robbery. Felony robbery charges can result in up to 15 years in prison, a fine, and restitution to the victim.
- Burglary – Burglary is unlawful entry into a property with the intent of committing theft, vandalism, or another felony. Burglary charges can result in probation or jail time and fines and fees. Misdemeanor burglary can result in probation or up to three years in jail, as well as fines and fees. Felony burglary can result in up to 20 years in jail as well as fines and fees.
- Receiving Stolen Property – Receiving stolen property is a crime even if you weren’t involved in the initial theft of the property. The consequences depend on the value of the property, your age and criminal history, and the circumstances of the crime. You can face probation, fines and fees, and up to 90 days in jail for a misdemeanor offense of property under $100. For property valued between $101-1,000, you may face fines or fees and up to 18 months in jail. For felony offenses, you can face up to 25 years in jail and fines up to $25,000.
Schedule a Consultation with a Theft Crimes Attorney
If you are facing charges of burglary or theft, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from a professional attorney with years of experience defending such cases. Scheduling a meeting will help you better understand the charges against you, their possible consequences, and your legal options. At the Law Office of Peter S. O’Neill, our theft crimes attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, and Anne Arundel County can evaluate and gather evidence, interview witnesses, investigate mitigating factors, look for holes in the evidence or prosecution's case, represent you in court, and handle negotiations with prosecutors. Call us now or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation.