Apr 7, 2018 | Read Time: iii minutes

In Maryland, theft charges can be anything from a minor shoplifting offense to a serious felony theft charge.

The seriousness of theft charges depends on the value of what was taken. The sentencing guidelines get college as the value of the stolen items rises.

Theft charges tin have an enormous and long-lasting touch on on a person'southward life. In add-on to potential incarceration, theft charges can likewise brand it extremely difficult to obtain employmentor laissez passer a background investigation. That can stay true even years in the future, when a theft charge is long behind you lot.

For that reason it is vital that you lot get an experienced criminal defense attorney to help yous if you take been charged with the law-breaking of theft in Maryland.

Theft cases come up in many different shapes and sizes, but here is some basic information that is true for all of them:

SHOPLIFTING & THE LOSS PREVENTION OFFICER

Shoplifting is probably the about common type of theft charge you tin can get in Maryland. There are some unique and of import things to know well-nigh shoplifting cases.

Nearly stores these days non only install security cameras, merely will as well accept a professional loss prevention officer (LPO) on staff to oversee their security. This can effect in 2 sources of prove used by the land in your case – the LPO and the video.

Many shoplifting theft cases begin with the LPO observing a theft (in person or on camera) and stopping the doubtable as they exit the store.

Consider this insider tip – most people don't know that when LPO's question you, they are not spring by the same constitutional standards as regular law officers. They don't have to give you lot miranda warnings, suggest you of your rights, or abide by other constitutional standards commonly applied to the police in the questioning of suspects. This is because most courts practice not consider them to be "state actors."

In other words – even if the LPO does something the law would not have been permitted to exercise, your statement tin withal be used against you lot!

What should you practice most this? You guessed it. Remain silent! Yous have null to gain and everything to lose by speaking with a LPO.

PAWN SHOPS

Another common blazon of theft case involves the auction of stolen goods at pawn shops.

All sales at pawn shops are recorded, generally with the driver's license of the person making the auction. That way police are able to search a database for stolen property and place who sold that property – and charge that person with theft!

Always exist wary of selling items at pawn shops. Even if yous did not steal the detail, make sure you know where that item came from.

Many cases involve a person pawning an detail for a "friend", only to be charged later with a theft they had no role in. Always exist careful in these situations.

EXPUNGEMENTS

Theft convictions tin can arrive incredibly difficult to find a chore. In our society, almost people will forgive a youthful drug charge, or even a past assault accuse, but people do not feel the same way nigh prior theft charges. Employers in particular are extremely reluctant to hire anyone who has been bedevilled of theft, even if the offense was a long time ago.

Maryland has recently passed new legislation expanding expungement rights.This law gives prior criminal defendants a chance to clean up their records. Read more about it hither, where we explain the new police and what you demand to do to take reward of information technology.

This is an enormous opportunity that you should not allow laissez passer y'all by. Talk to an attorney to find out if these new laws can help you.

Conclusion & NEXT STEPS

None of this is easy. There are general rules, exceptions to the general rules, loopholes to those exceptions, etc., etc.

If you have been charged with theft, it is vital to discuss your instance thoroughly with an experienced criminal defense force attorney.You must explore all your options including whatsoever defenses bachelor to y'all.

We offer a consultation to anyone charged with theft. Contact united states of america today to schedule your consultation.

Adjacent Steps

Want to know more than?Discover what you need to know about Maryland criminal defense cases. Click here to see our Complimentary Legal Consumer Guide to Criminal Law in Maryland and become answers to your questions today. Know your options. Exist informed. Protect yourself.

Need a criminal defense attorney?Please contact us for a consultation today if y'all need an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Waldorf and Lexington Park for your criminal charge.

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