Facing theft and burglary charges in Maryland can be a daunting and life-altering experience. If you or someone you know has been accused of these offenses, it is crucial to understand the legal implications and seek professional legal counsel immediately. Alpert Schreyer, LLC, is a leading law firm with a proven track record of defending clients against theft and burglary charges in Maryland. In this article, we will delve into the nature of these charges, the requirements in the state, and the importance of having a skilled attorney by your side to protect your rights.
Theft and Burglary Charges in Maryland
Theft and burglary are criminal offenses that involve unlawfully taking someone else’s property. However, they are distinct charges with varying elements and consequences.
- Theft Charges: In Maryland, theft is defined as the unlawful taking and carrying away of someone else’s property, with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Theft charges can range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the value and nature of the stolen property. Common theft-related charges include shoplifting, embezzlement, and grand theft.
- Burglary Charges: Burglary involves entering someone else’s property with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft, assault, or vandalism. It is essential to note that the intent to commit a crime must be present at the time of entry for the act to be considered burglary. Maryland categorizes burglary into different degrees, with first-degree burglary being the most serious.
Requirements for Theft and Burglary Charges
To secure a conviction for theft or burglary in Maryland, the prosecution must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These elements may include:
- Intent: The prosecution must demonstrate that the accused had the intention to commit theft or another crime while entering the property (in the case of burglary) or carrying away the stolen property (in the case of theft).
- Unauthorized Entry: In burglary cases, the prosecution must establish that the defendant unlawfully entered someone else’s property without permission or legal justification.
- Carrying Away Stolen Property: For theft charges, the prosecution must show that the accused took and moved the stolen property, even if it was just a short distance.
- Value of Stolen Property: In theft cases, the value of the stolen property is crucial in determining the severity of the charges.
Challenging Theft and Burglary Charges
When facing theft and burglary charges, your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. It is vital to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side to build a strong defense. Here are some common defense strategies that Alpert Schreyer, LLC, may employ to protect your rights:
- Lack of Intent: One of the most effective defenses against theft and burglary charges is to challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney may argue that you had no intention to commit a crime while entering the property or that you mistakenly took the item, believing it was yours.
- Consent: If you had permission to enter the property or take the item, your attorney can present evidence of consent to challenge the burglary or theft allegations.
- Mistaken Identity: Your defense team may investigate and present evidence showing that you were not the individual involved in the alleged crime.
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search and seizure, evidence obtained during the unlawful search may be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Lack of Evidence: Your attorney may challenge the sufficiency of the evidence presented by the prosecution, aiming to weaken their case against you.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Facing theft and burglary charges in Maryland is a serious matter that requires the expertise of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alpert Schreyer, LLC, has a team of experienced lawyers dedicated to protecting the rights of their clients and fighting tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Having an attorney from Alpert Schreyer, LLC, on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. They will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your charges, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Theft and Burglary Charges in Maryland
Theft and burglary charges are serious criminal offenses in Maryland, carrying potentially severe penalties if convicted. Understanding the differences between these charges and the elements required for conviction is essential in formulating a strong defense strategy.
Theft Charges: In Maryland, theft can be classified into various degrees based on the value of the stolen property. Petty theft involves the unlawful taking of property valued at less than $100, while misdemeanor theft pertains to property valued between $100 and $1,500. Felony theft, on the other hand, encompasses property valued above $1,500. Additionally, theft charges can also be elevated to grand theft if certain criteria are met, such as stealing a firearm or theft from a vulnerable adult.
Burglary Charges: Maryland distinguishes burglary into first, second, third, and fourth degrees, with first-degree burglary being the most serious. First-degree burglary involves unlawfully entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime, while second-degree burglary includes unlawfully entering a storehouse or dwelling with criminal intent. Third-degree burglary involves unlawfully entering any building or structure with the intent to commit theft or a crime, and fourth-degree burglary pertains to entering someone’s property without permission with the intent to commit any crime.
If you or someone you know is facing theft and burglary charges in Maryland, it is crucial to take immediate action and seek legal representation from a reputable law firm like Alpert Schreyer, LLC. Understanding the nature of these charges, the requirements for conviction, and your legal rights is essential in building a strong defense.
Remember, your future is at stake, and having a skilled attorney by your side can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Don’t wait; contact Alpert Schreyer, LLC, today to protect your rights, reputation, and future.