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Theft &Robbery

Here’s a complete breakdown of theft and robbery offenses under Maryland law, including their classifications and penalties.

1. General Theft – Maryland Criminal Law §7-104

• Classification: Misdemeanor or Felony (based on value)
• Penalties:
• Less than $100: Misdemeanor, Up to 90 days in jail, $500 fine.
• $100–$1,500: Misdemeanor, Up to 6 months (first offense), 1 year (repeat), $500 fine.
• $1,500–$25,000: Felony, Up to 5 years, $10,000 fine.
• $25,000–$100,000: Felony, Up to 10 years, $15,000 fine.
• Over $100,000: Felony, Up to 20 years, $25,000 fine.

2. Shoplifting – Maryland Criminal Law §7-104

• Classification: Misdemeanor or Felony (based on value)
• Penalties: Same as general theft above.
• Explanation: Taking merchandise from a retail store without paying.

3. Motor Vehicle Theft – Maryland Criminal Law §7-105

• Classification: Felony
• Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine.

4. Identity Theft – Maryland Criminal Law §8-301

• Classification: Misdemeanor or Felony (based on value)
• Penalties:
  • Less than $1,500: Misdemeanor, Up to 1 year, $500 fine.
  • $1,500–$25,000: Felony, Up to 5 years, $10,000 fine.
  • $25,000–$100,000: Felony, Up to 10 years, $15,000 fine.
  • Over $100,000: Felony, Up to 20 years, $25,000 fine.

5. Credit Card Fraud – Maryland Criminal Law §8-203, §8-204

• Classification: Misdemeanor or Felony
• Penalties: Up to 18 months in jail, $500 fine for theft; up to 5 years for fraud.

6. Embezzlement – Maryland Criminal Law §7-113

• Classification: Misdemeanor (unless combined with felony theft)
• Penalties: 1–5 years in prison.

7. Robbery – Maryland Criminal Law §3-402

• Classification: Felony
• Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison.

8. Armed Robbery – Maryland Criminal Law §3-403

• Classification: Felony
• Penalties: Up to 20 years in prison.

9. Burglary – Maryland Criminal Law §6-202, §6-203, §6-205

• First-Degree Burglary: Felony, Up to 25 years.
• Second-Degree Burglary: Felony, Up to 15 years.
• Fourth-Degree Burglary: Misdemeanor, Up to 3 years.

10. Receiving Stolen Property – Maryland Criminal Law §7-104

• Classification: Same as theft (value-based).
• Penalties: Same as general theft.

Theft and robbery, while related, are distinct offenses under the law. Theft refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s property without the intent to return it. The penalties for theft largely depend on the specific type and value of the property stolen. Some thefts might be classified as misdemeanors, which can lead to substantial fines and a prison sentence of up to five years. On the other hand, robbery is a more severe type of theft that involves the use or threat of physical force against another person during the act. Because of this violent element, robbery is typically treated as a felony, potentially resulting in a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 20 years. Given the complexities and varying penalties, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer if faced with either charge.

At Haskell & Dyer, our commitment is unwavering: to provide a robust defense tailored to your unique situation. Recognizing that every case has its intricacies, we’re flexible in our approach. Whether it’s aggressively challenging evidence, negotiating plea bargains, or switching tactics as new information emerges, we are always prepared for any scenario. With a wealth of experience defending against criminal accusations, we have honed our ability to identify the most effective strategies for different cases. Sometimes, a plea bargain might offer the best outcome, and in such instances, we’ll thoroughly discuss this with you, ensuring that any terms we negotiate are in your best interest.

The ramifications of theft or robbery charges can be long-lasting, impacting not just your freedom but your future opportunities as well. Engaging with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer early in the process is vital. At Haskell & Dyer, we dive deep into the details, scrutinizing evidence, identifying potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and exploring all possible defenses. Our primary aim is to safeguard your rights and pursue an outcome that serves your best interests. With the stakes so high, it’s crucial to have an experienced team at your side, advocating for you every step of the way.