What is Considered Petty Theft vs. Grand Theft in MD?

Some people might be familiar with the terms “petty” and “grand” theft. While many will understand that petty theft tends to represent low-value thefts and grand theft for those of higher value, those terms are not actually used in Maryland.

Instead, Maryland theft crimes are categorized into two types: misdemeanor theft and felony theft. Misdemeanor theft can be referred to as petty theft, which includes low-level offenses such as shoplifting or stealing items of low value. On the other hand, felony theft, which is equivalent to grand theft, involves more serious offenses, such as stealing high-value items. It is important to begin your defense as soon as possible, regardless of the theft crime you have been charged with.

For a free review of your case with our Maryland theft defense attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 today.

How Does Maryland Define Petty Theft and Grand Theft?

Theft is a criminal offense that is categorized as either a misdemeanor or a felony, rather than “petty” or “grand,” depending on the value of the stolen property. If the stolen property is valued at less than $100, the offense is classified as a misdemeanor, and the offender might be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $500. Similarly, if the stolen property is valued between $100 and $1,500, the offense is also classified as a misdemeanor, and the offender might be sentenced to up to six months in jail and a fine of $500.

However, if the stolen property is valued between $1,500 and $25,000, the offense is categorized as a felony, and the offender might be sentenced to up to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Additionally, if the stolen property is valued between $25,000 and $100,000, the offense is also categorized as a felony, and the offender might be sentenced to up to ten years in prison and a fine of $15,000. Finally, theft of property valued over $100,000 is considered a felony, and the offender might be sentenced to up to twenty years in prison and a fine of $25,000.

How Theft Can Be Charged in Maryland

Theft is defined as having unauthorized control over someone else’s property in Maryland. This means that committing a crime is inevitable if you knowingly or willingly take control of someone’s property without their permission. If you obtain control of someone’s property using deception, it is also considered theft and might lead to criminal charges.

Possessing stolen property is also considered theft. You should not be in possession of stolen property if you know or suspect that it has been stolen. Even if you did not participate in the theft, having stolen property in your possession makes you complicit.

Theft is also defined as taking possession of property that has been lost or delivered to you by mistake. You are also committing theft if you know the identity of the owner and fail to take reasonable measures to return the property.

Obtaining services through deception with no intention of payment is theft. Committing this type of theft involves obtaining services without compensating the provider.

If you take control of someone else’s property without their permission or have possession of stolen property, you will be guilty of theft if you intend to keep the owner from having their property, conceal, use, or abandon it in a way that deprives the owner of its benefits or use. You will also be considered to have unauthorized control if you abandon, conceal, or use the property with the knowledge that such actions will likely result in the owner losing ownership of their property.

Can Misdemeanor Theft Be Upgraded to Felony Theft in Maryland?

In Maryland, theft laws allow for the possibility of charging theft as a continuing course of conduct, which means that if an individual commits repeated theft offenses over a period of time, they can be charged with a grand theft felony even if each individual theft would only qualify as a misdemeanor on its own. This means that the cumulative value of the stolen property or services is taken into account rather than just the value of each individual theft.

For instance, stealing property or services worth $500 on one occasion would not generally result in felony theft charges. However, if the same individual repeatedly stole items worth $500 over several weeks or months, they could be charged with felony theft under the theft scheme. It’s essential to note that theft charges in Maryland can have severe consequences, and the penalties for even a misdemeanor theft conviction can be significant.

Is Motor Vehicle Theft a Misdemeanor or Felony Charge in Maryland?

Motor vehicle theft is a severe crime in Maryland and is considered a felony. To prove someone guilty of motor vehicle theft, the state must demonstrate that they intentionally took a vehicle out of the rightful custody, control, or use of the owner without their consent. The maximum penalty for motor vehicle theft in Maryland is a prison sentence of five years and a fine of $5,000.

In many cases, a person charged with motor vehicle theft might also face charges of unauthorized removal of property. This law prohibits anyone from taking and carrying away another person’s car without the owner’s permission. Unauthorized removal of property is a misdemeanor punishable by up to four years in jail and a fine of up to $100.

How Can a Maryland Theft Attorney Help Defend Your Case?

If you are accused of a crime in Maryland, it is important to seek the advice of a competent lawyer. A knowledgeable Maryland criminal defense attorney can help you identify potential defenses and determine whether you can negotiate a favorable plea bargain. This might result in a reduction of a felony charge to a misdemeanor, which might lead to a shorter jail sentence.

It is crucial to carefully review the Statement of Charges, which explains the accusations against you. Keep in mind that the State has the burden of proof, and they must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction despite charging you based on probable cause, which is the lowest burden of proof.

When dealing with felony theft charges in Maryland, it is imperative to consult with a skilled lawyer who can thoroughly examine the evidence and your case. An experienced attorney will comprehend every aspect of the case and scrutinize the evidence that the state intends to use. It is essential to have legal representation that is well-versed with the local policies for felony theft in Maryland.

Our Maryland Theft Defense Attorneys Can Help

Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 694-7291 to speak with our Baltimore theft defense lawyers and receive your free case evaluation.