Maryland Theft Lawyer | Theft Less Than $1000 | Theft Less Than $100

Theft Lawyer Maryland - G. Randolph Rice, Jr.

Maryland Theft Law - FAQ

The theft laws in Maryland are codified under Maryland Criminal Law Code §7-104.  If you have been charged with theft or facing theft charges in Maryland, call attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr. at 410-288-2900 or you can click here to email him directly for immediate legal help.

Maryland Theft Lawyer
G. Randolph Rice, Jr
410-288-2900

Maryland Theft Lawyer

If you need a theft lawyer in Maryland, call criminal defense attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr. at 410-288-2900 for immediate legal help.

What is theft in Maryland?  You can be charged with theft in Maryland under a number of different scenarios.  Below are a the most common theft scenarios in Maryland:

1. Unauthorized control over property. This means a person may not willfully or knowingly obtain or exert unauthorized control over property, if the person: (1) intends to deprive the owner of the property; (2) willfully or knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the property in a manner that deprives the owner of the property; or (3) uses, conceals, or abandons the property knowing the use, concealment, or abandonment probably will deprive the owner of the property.
2. Unauthorized control over property by deception. This means a person may not obtain control over property by willfully or knowingly using deception, if the person: (1) intends to deprive the owner of the property; (2) willfully or knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the property in a manner that deprives the owner of the property; or (3) uses, conceals, or abandons the property knowing the use, concealment, or abandonment probably will deprive the owner of the property.
3. Possessing stolen personal property. This means a person may not possess stolen personal property knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it probably has been stolen, if the person: (i) intends to deprive the owner of the property; (ii) willfully or knowingly uses, conceals, or abandons the property in a manner that deprives the owner of the property; or (iii) uses, conceals, or abandons the property knowing that the use, concealment, or abandonment probably will deprive the owner of the property.  The key to this section is that you believed that probably was stolen. This is one of the more common theft crimes in Maryland, people receive an item and then try to pawn the item and it turns out the item is stolen.  The State will try and prove that the Defendant knew or should have known the item was stolen based on factors such as; where they obtained the item or how much they pawned the item for. 
1. In the case of a person in the business of buying or selling goods, the knowledge required under this subsection may be inferred if: (i) the person possesses or exerts control over property stolen from more than one person on separate occasions; (ii) during the year preceding the criminal possession charged, the person has acquired stolen property in a separate transaction; or (iii) being in the business of buying or selling property of the sort possessed, the person acquired it for a consideration that the person knew was far below a reasonable value.
2. In a prosecution for theft by possession of stolen property under this subsection, it is not a defense that: (i) the person who stole the property has not been convicted, apprehended, or identified; (ii) the defendant stole or participated in the stealing of the property; (iii) the property was provided by law enforcement as part of an investigation, if the property was described to the defendant as being obtained through the commission of theft; or (iv) the stealing of the property did not occur in the State.
3. Unless the person who criminally possesses stolen property participated in the stealing, the person who criminally possesses stolen property and a person who has stolen the property are not accomplices in theft for the purpose of any rule of evidence requiring corroboration of the testimony of an accomplice.
4. Control over property lost, mislaid, or delivered by mistake. This means a person may not obtain control over property knowing that the property was lost, mislaid, or was delivered under a mistake as to the identity of the recipient or nature or amount of the property, if the person:
1. knows or learns the identity of the owner or knows, is aware of, or learns of a reasonable method of identifying the owner;
2. fails to take reasonable measures to restore the property to the owner; and
3. intends to deprive the owner permanently of the use or benefit of the property when the person obtains the property or at a later time.
5. Services available only for compensation. This means a person may not obtain the services of another that are available only for compensation:
1. by deception; or
2. with knowledge that the services are provided without the consent of the person providing them.
1. Inference of intention or knowledge. Under this section, an offender's intention or knowledge that a promise would not be performed may not be established by or inferred solely from the fact that the promise was not performed.

If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer in Maryland a theft case, call attorney Randolph Rice at 410-288-2900 to schedule a free legal consultation.

Penalty for theft in Maryland (Jail and Fines)

1. A person convicted of theft of property or services with a value of at least $1,000 but less than $10,000 is guilty of a felony.  If convicted, the person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both; and shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services;
2. A person convicted of theft of property or services with a value of at least $ 10,000 but less than $100,000 is guilty of a felony. If convicted, a person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 15 years or a fine not exceeding $15,000 or both and shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services.
3. A person convicted of theft $100,000 or more is guilty of a felony is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years or a fine not exceeding $25,000 or both and shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services.
4. A person convicted of theft of property or services with a value of less than $ 1,000, is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both and shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services.
5. A person convicted of theft of property or services with a value of less than $100 is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services.

Repeat Offender and Enhanced Penalties for Theft in Maryland

Anyone in  Maryland who has two or more prior convictions under the theft statute and who is convicted of theft of property or services with a value of less than $1,000 is guilty of a misdemeanor and: is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both and shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services.

For the court to impose that penalty the State's Attorney must serve notice on the defendant or the defendant's counsel before the acceptance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or at least 15 days before trial that (i) the State will seek the penalties and (ii) lists the alleged prior convictions.

Failure to pay for motor fuel after dispensing in Maryland

If a person is convicted in Maryland of the violation "failure to pay for motor fuel after the motor fuel was dispensed into a vehicle", the court shall: (i) notify the person that the person's driver's license may be suspended under §16-206.1 of the Transportation Article and (ii) notify the Motor Vehicle Administration of the violation.

There is a statute of limitations for failing to pay for motor fuel after dispensing in Maryland. A prosecution for a violation shall be commenced within 2 years after the commission of the crime.

There is also a special jurisdiction and venue rule for failing to pay for motor fuel in Maryland. A person who violates this section by use of an interactive computer service may be prosecuted, indicted, tried, and convicted in any county in which the victim resides or the electronic communication originated or terminated.


If you've been charged with any section of the theft laws in Maryland, call attorney Randolph Rice at 410-288-2900 for immediate legal help.

Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland (MD) - FAQ Answered by a Maryland Criminal Lawyer

Probation Before Judgment or "PBJ" in Maryland

If you need a Maryland criminal lawyer or traffic lawyer, call attorney Randolph Rice at 410-288-2900 or email him directly for immediate legal help.

What is a Probation Before Judgment?

Maryland Criminal Procedure § 6-220 defines probation before judgment as follows:

§6-220. Probation before judgment

(b) In general.
(1) When a defendant pleads guilty or nolo contendere or is found guilty of a crime, a court may stay the entering of judgment, defer further proceedings, and place the defendant on probation subject to reasonable conditions if:
(i) the court finds that the best interests of the defendant and the public welfare would be served; and
(ii) the defendant gives written consent after determination of guilt or acceptance of a nolo contendere plea.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, the conditions may include an order that the defendant:
(i) pay a fine or monetary penalty to the State or make restitution; or
(ii) participate in a rehabilitation program, the parks program, or a voluntary hospital program.

(3) Before the court orders a fine, monetary penalty, or restitution, the defendant is entitled to notice and a hearing to determine the amount of the fine, monetary penalty, or restitution, what payment will be required, and how payment will be made.

(4) Any fine or monetary penalty imposed as a condition of probation shall be within the amount set by law for a violation resulting in conviction.

(5) As a condition of probation, the court may order a person to a term of custodial confinement or imprisonment.

(c) Participation in treatment and education programs.

(1) When the crime for which the judgment is being stayed is for a violation of § 21-902 of the Transportation Article or § 2-503, § 2-504, § 2-505, § 2-506, or § 3-211 of the Criminal Law Article, the court:
(i) before imposing a period of probation, may order the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to evaluate the defendant in accordance with § 8-505 of the Health - General Article;
(ii) if an evaluation was ordered under item (i) of this paragraph, shall review the evaluation before imposing a period of probation; and
(iii) shall impose a period of probation and, as a condition of the probation:

1. shall require the defendant to participate in an alcohol or drug treatment or education program approved by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, unless the court finds and states on the record that the interests of the defendant and the public do not require the imposition of this condition; and

2. may prohibit the defendant from operating a motor vehicle unless the motor vehicle is equipped with an ignition interlock system under § 27-107 of the Transportation Article.

(2) When the crime for which the judgment is being stayed is for a violation of any provision of Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article, the court shall impose a period of probation and, as a condition of probation, require the defendant to participate in a drug treatment or education program approved by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, unless the court finds and states on the record that the interests of the defendant and the public do not require the imposition of this condition.

(d) Conditions under which probation before judgment prohibited. Notwithstanding subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a court may not stay the entering of judgment and place a defendant on probation for:

(1) a violation of § 21-902 of the Transportation Article or § 2-503, § 2-504, § 2-505, § 2-506, or § 3-211 of the Criminal Law Article, if within the preceding 10 years the defendant has been convicted under § 21-902 of the Transportation Article (this pertains to prior DUI convictions) or § 2-503, § 2-504, § 2-505, § 2-506, or § 3-211 of the Criminal Law Article, or has been placed on probation in accordance with this section, after being charged with a violation of § 21-902 of the Transportation Article (this means if you received a PBJ for a DUI in the past 10 years, you are not eligible for another PBJ within that 10 year period proceeding) or § 2-503, § 2-504, § 2-505, § 2-506, or § 3-211 of the Criminal Law Article;

(2) a second or subsequent controlled dangerous substance crime under Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article, except that the court may stay the entering of judgment and place a defendant on probation for possession of a controlled dangerous substance under § 5-601 of the Criminal Law Article if:
(i) the defendant has been convicted once previously of or received probation before judgment once previously for possession of a controlled dangerous substance under § 5-601 of the Criminal Law Article;
(ii) the court requires the defendant to graduate from drug court or successfully complete a substance abuse treatment program as a condition of probation; and
(iii) the defendant graduates from drug court or successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program as required;

(3) a violation of any of the provisions of §§ 3-303 through 3-307, §§ 3-309 through 3-312, § 3-315, or § 3-602 of the Criminal Law Article for a crime involving a person under the age of 16 years; or

(4) a moving violation, as defined in § 11-136.1 of the Transportation Article, if:

(i) the defendant holds a provisional license under § 16-111 of the Transportation Article; and

(ii) the defendant has previously been placed on probation under this section for the commission of a moving violation while the defendant held a provisional license.

(e) Waiver of right to appeal.

(1) By consenting to and receiving a stay of entering of the judgment as provided by subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the defendant waives the right to appeal at any time from the judgment of guilt.

(2) Before granting a stay, the court shall notify the defendant of the consequences of consenting to and receiving a stay of entry of judgment under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(f) Effect of violation of probation. On violation of a condition of probation, the court may enter judgment and proceed as if the defendant had not been placed on probation.

(g) Effect of fulfillment of conditions of probation.

(1) On fulfillment of the conditions of probation, the court shall discharge the defendant from probation.

(2) The discharge is a final disposition of the matter.

(3) Discharge of a defendant under this section shall be without judgment of conviction and is not a conviction for the purpose of any disqualification or disability imposed by law because of conviction of a crime.

(i) Custodial credit. If an individual violates the terms of probation, any time served by the individual in custodial confinement shall be credited against any sentence of incarceration imposed by the court.

Can I an expungement after a probation before judgment in Maryland?

Yes, but you must wait three (3) years after the end of probation.   That means if you receive a probation before judgment ("PBJ") and you are placed on three years of probation, you must wait another three years from the end of your probation to file for expungement in Maryland.

Does a PBJ go on my record?

A PBJ is not a conviction and if you are asked by a potential employer or school if you have been convicted, you can honestly answer, No.  However, the reality is that most employers and schools have the knowledge to look at the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.  If they look on that site, they will be able to search by your name and find any charges, what your plea was and what the outcome or disposition in the case.

A PBJ is not a bad outcome in most criminal cases as an alternative to a guilty, which you can never expunge from your record absent a pardon from the Governor of Maryland, which does not happen very often.

If you have been charged with a crime or traffic violation, contact the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC at 410-288-2900 for immediate legal help.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Essex Maryland (MD) - Attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Essex, Maryland – G. Randolph Rice, Jr.

Have you been charged with a crime in Essex, Maryland?  You now need a criminal defense lawyer to
discuss your options and possible defenses as well as preserve any evidence that may be destroyed or lost as time goes on.

Should I hire a lawyer if facing criminal charges in Essex,Maryland?

Call attorney Randolph Rice at 410-288-2900 or email him directly for immediate legal help.

You should always hire a lawyer if you are facing any type of criminal or traffic charge.  A lawyer can be valuable in explaining the charges, the maximum penalty, investigating the case, negotiating with the State’s Attorney, and providing any legal defenses.

Who should I call if I am arrested in Essex, Maryland?

You could call the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr.,LLC, at 410-288-2900.  You can speak with their Essex, Md criminal defense attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr.  Attorney Rice is a former Assistant State’s Attorney and for years has been defending individuals charges with criminal crimes and traffic offenses in Essex, Md. 

What happens after I am charged with a crime in Essex, Maryland?

If you are arrested, you will be taken to the police precinct for the area in which you are arrested.  The police will begin the booking process where they will collect information about you and the alleged crime. The police do have the option of asking you questions at the scene or back at the police precinct.  You do not have to answer any of the police’s questions and instead can invoke your right to remain silent.  The more you tell the police, the more evidence they will have at trial to use against you.  Once the police have completed the booking and questioning, they may take you before a court commissioner to have the charges reviewed and a bail/bond set.  If the commissioner sets a bail/bond, then you have the option of posting that bail/bond at that time or they police will transport you to the local detention center to await a bail review hearing.  Most bail review hearings will occur the next day unless you are arrested on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, then the bail review will occur the following Monday.  If you do not post the bail/bond, then you will be held at the detention center until the trial date is set.  If you are charged with a misdemeanor then your case will be heard in one of the District Courts.  If you are charged with a felony, your case will be heard in the Circuit Court. 

What happens after I am charged with a felony in Essex, Maryland?

If you have been charged with a felony, then you have 10 days after you have seen a court commissioner to request a preliminary hearing.  If request a preliminary hearing, then a date will be set in the District Court to have a Judge decide if there is probable cause to move forward with all charges.  The State’s Attorney’s Office will review your case and they may still allow the preliminary hearing to occur, at which time they may reduce the charges down to misdemeanors or they may have a hearing for the Judge to decide if there is probable cause to move forward with the felony charges.  The State’s Attorney also has the option of pulling the case from the preliminary hearing and taking it before a Grand Jury to determine if there is probable cause to move forward.  The individual charged does not have the ability to stop the State’s Attorney from taking the case before the Grand Jury.  If the charged individual does not request a preliminary hearing, the State’s Attorney could also file a criminal information and have the case transferred to the Circuit Court to be prosecuted.

If you are facing criminal or traffic charges in Essex, Maryland, contact an Criminal Defense Attorney in Essex, Maryland at 410-288-2900 and schedule a free, no-obligation, consultation to discuss your charges.

The Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, handles all criminal and traffic cases and has helped thousands of clients realize the best possible result in their case.

• Alcohol Violations;
• Arson;
• Assault (First Degree Assault and Second Degree Assault);
• Bad Check;
• Burglary (First, Second, Third, and Fourth Degree Burglary);
• Car Theft;
• Carjacking;
• Carrying Weapon;
• Computer Crimes;
• CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance);
• Dangerous Weapons;
• Disorderly Conduct;
• Domestic Violence;
• Driving on Suspended License;
• Driving Without a License;
• DUI (driving under the influence);
• DWI (driving while impaired);
• Drunk Driving;
• Drug Possession;
• Drunken Boating;
• False Statement;
• Firearm Charges;
• Forgery;
• Fraud;
• Gambling and Gaming;
• Handgun;
• Homicide;
• Indecent Exposure;
• Juvenile Criminal Charges;
• Manslaughter;
• Murder;
• Obstructing and Hindering;
• Possession of Drugs;
• Prescription Forgery;
• Rape;
• Sex Offenses;
• Theft;
• Trespass;
• Weapon Crimes;
• All misdemeanors and felonies in Maryland.

Contact the office for a free consultation and speak with a criminal defense attorney in Essex, Md.

Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC

6914 Holabird Avenue

Baltimore, Maryland 21222

410-288-2900 (24/7)

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Criminal Lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland (Md)

Criminal Lawyer in Baltimore, Md.

If you are facing criminal charges in Baltimore County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Ocean City, or any other District or Circuit Court in Maryland, you need to contact the experienced and trusted criminal defense lawyer G. Randolph Rice, Jr., at 410-288-2900.

Mr. Rice is the owner and founder of the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, and a former Assistant State’s Attorney.  His years of experience and the hundreds of clients he has assisted in resolving their criminal, dui, dwi, and traffic violation cases will prove invaluable in your case.  Contact the office at 410-288-2900 for immediate help, available 24/7 to help.

Mr. Rice is not a bankruptcy lawyer, he isn’t a tax lawyer, he handles criminal cases and focuses his practice on criminal cases.  He has represented client in cases from murder to littering to everything in-between.  Don’t wait till the last minute, if you don’t act fast, you could be waiving some of your constitutional rights through inaction.  Let Mr. Rice worry about the legal process allowing you to focus on returning to a normal life.

Click Criminal Lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland (Md) to read more.

Criminal Penalties for a Theft Conviction in Maryland

Theft Law in Maryland

Theft in Maryland
Criminal Defense Lawyers

Maryland Criminal Law § 7-104 provides the statutes and penalties for general theft in Maryland.

If you have been charged with Theft in Maryland, call attorney G. Randolph Rice, at 410-288-2900 for immediate legal help.

The penalties for theft in Maryland are as follows:

Theft less than $100.00:
If you are convicted of theft in Maryland and the property or services have a value of less than $100.00 then you are subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.  Theft less than $100.00 is classified as a misdemeanor in Maryland.

Theft less than $1,000.00:

If you are convicted of theft in Maryland and the property or services have a value of less than $1,000.00 then you are subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $ 500 or both.  Theft less than $1,000.00 is classified as a misdemeanor in Maryland.

Theft of at least $1,000.00 but less than $10,000.00:

If you are convicted of theft in Maryland and the property or services have a value of at least $1,000 but less than $ 10,000 then you are subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $ 10,000 or both.  Theft of at least $1,000.00 but less than $10,000.00 is classified as a felony in Maryland.

Theft of at least $10,000.00 but less than $100,000.00:

If you are convicted of theft in Maryland and the property or services have a value of at least $10,000 but less than $100,000 then you are subject to imprisonment not exceeding 15 years or a fine not exceeding $ 15,000 or both.  Theft of at least $10,000 but less than $100,000 is classified as a felony in Maryland.

Theft of $100,000.00 or more:

If you are convicted of theft in Maryland and the property or services have a value of $100,000.00 or more then you are subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years or a fine not exceeding $ 25,000 or both.  Theft of more than $100,000 is classified as a felony in Maryland.

If you are facing theft charges in a Maryland District or Circuit Court, you need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney.  Contact the Attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr., at 410-288-2900.

Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC

6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A

Dundalk, Maryland 21222

410-288-2900

RiceLawMD@gmail.com

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Baltimore County Police Officer Arrested

Baltimore County, Md. (October 5, 2011) - A Baltimore County police officer has been arrested and charged with first-degree assault and other crimes in connection with an alleged domestic incident involving his ex-girlfriend.

A warrant charging Officer First Class Brian Eaton, assigned to Precinct 4/Pikesville, with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, false imprisonment and destruction of property was served last night.

The domestic incident occurred on September 23, in the 1200-block of Halstead Road, 21234, in Precinct 6/Towson. The next day, after the matter came to the attention of BCoPD’s Internal Affairs Division, the Department suspended Eaton’s police powers, including removal of his service weapon. Internal Affairs contacted the appropriate unit to begin investigating criminal charges.

Eaton, 23, is a 5-year veteran of the Department. He has been released on $50,000 bail.

The victim is also an officer at the Pikesville precinct.