Glen Burnie, MD Theft Defense Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Fighting for Clients Accused of Theft in Glen Burnie, Maryland

Allegations of theft can start small, but when criminal charges are brought up, the punishment may be much larger than what you suspect. Outside of the criminal penalties, a theft conviction can also have a major impact on your reputation, threatening your current and future employment. A Glen Burnie, Maryland theft defense attorney can help you protect your rights,

At The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost, we have years of experience representing clients accused of criminal offenses, and Attorney Caroline Norman Frost has received the Gold Client Champion award from Martindale-Hubbell, highlighting her strong reputation with her clients. We can examine your case in close detail, identifying mitigating factors and defense strategies to pursue an ideal result.

How Is Theft Prosecuted in Maryland?

Maryland treats theft as a property crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on what the police and prosecutor claim was taken and how they calculate value. Many cases begin with a report from a store, employer, neighbor, or family member. Investigators may pull surveillance video, interview witnesses, and review account activity or communications. Some people learn about the allegation only after an arrest warrant is issued, or after officers request a recorded statement.

Under Maryland's general theft law, the prosecution typically must show that a person willfully or knowingly obtained or exerted unauthorized control over property and intended to deprive the owner, or used or concealed the property in a way that deprived the owner. The statute also covers certain situations involving lost or misdelivered property, and it addresses theft of services through deception or without consent.

Penalties can rise quickly as the alleged value increases. Theft of less than $100 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail. Theft of at least $100 but less than $1,500 is also a misdemeanor, with higher maximum penalties for repeat convictions. Felony theft begins at $1,500, with higher maximum penalties when the value reaches $25,000 and $100,000, and restitution is typically required.

What Is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is a theft allegation tied to a relationship of trust. In plain terms, the accusation is that someone who was entrusted to hold or manage funds decided to treat them as personal property.

These cases often involve employees, bookkeepers, managers, caregivers, or others who have access to another person's money in a trusted role. A conviction of this offense is labeled a misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of not less than one year and not exceeding five years.

Embezzlement allegations also tend to involve an extensive review of records. Bank statements, ledger entries, invoices, receipts, time sheets, and access logs can become critical to the case. A defense may focus on whether the records actually show misappropriation, whether others had the same access, and whether improper bookkeeping is being mistaken for fraud.

Why Intent Matters in Theft Cases

Proving intent is sometimes the centerpiece of a theft case. The state must prove the required mental state, including that the accused acted willfully or knowingly and intended to deprive the owner, or knew the conduct probably would deprive the owner.

That leaves room for defenses based on mistake, misunderstanding, and lack of criminal intent. Some cases involve permission disputes, unclear ownership, shared access to property, or situations where a person believed an item was abandoned or misdelivered. Others arise from business relationships, where a payment dispute or accounting problem gets reframed as theft.

Contact a Glen Burnie, MD Theft Defense Attorney

If you are under investigation for or have been charged with theft, early legal guidance can shape what happens next. Call 443-278-1562 or contact our Glen Burnie theft defense lawyer at The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost to set up a free, confidential consultation.