The penalties for theft in Maryland can range from a fine to several years in prison. Because so much is at stake, we break it down for you here.
Table of Contents
Penalties for Maryland Theft Chart
Basics
| Value of Property/Services | Classification | Maximum Imprisonment | Maximum Fine | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $100 | Misdemeanor | 90 days | $500 | Must restore property or pay owner the value |
| $100 to $1,499 (First conviction) | Misdemeanor | 6 months | $500 | Must restore property or pay owner the value |
| $100 to $1,499 (Second or subsequent conviction) | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $500 | Must restore property or pay owner the value |
| $1,500 to $24,999 | Felony | 5 years | $10,000 | Must restore property or pay owner the value |
| $25,000 to $99,999 | Felony | 10 years | $15,000 | Must restore property or pay owner the value |
| $100,000 or more | Felony | 20 years | $25,000 | Must restore property or pay owner the value |
Special Cases
| Scenario | Classification | Maximum Imprisonment | Maximum Fine | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repeat Offender Enhancement (4+ prior convictions under this subtitle, theft under $1,500) | Misdemeanor | 5 years | $5,000 | Must restore property or pay owner the value; State’s Attorney must provide notice |
| Motor Fuel Theft (Any value) | Varies by value (see chart above) | Varies by value | Varies by value | Must restore property or pay the owner the value; State’s Attorney must provide notice |
Key Provisions of Theft Statute
Restitution Required: All convictions require restoration of property to the owner or payment of the property/services value
Notice Requirement: For repeat offender enhancement, the State’s Attorney must serve notice before plea acceptance or at least 15 days before trial
Statute of Limitations: Prosecutions for theft valued $100-$1,499 or under $100 must commence within 2 years
Jurisdiction: Computer-based theft can be prosecuted in any county where the victim resides or the electronic communication originated/terminated
Where Do You Serve Jail for a Maryland Theft Charge?
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) oversees the state’s entire correctional system. This agency manages both detention facilities (jails) and correctional institutions (prisons) throughout the state of Maryland.
According to Maryland Code, Public Safety Article § 2-101, the DPSCS has authority over “the custody of pretrial detainees, incarcerated individuals, and supervised offenders.” Typically, any sentence of eighteen months or less is served in a local jail, whereas any sentence over eighteen months results in spending time in the Maryland prison system.
Our two primary goals when representing Maryland theft clients are first to avoid a conviction and, second, if at all possible, to avoid any jail time.
For every client, we conduct a mitigation review to identify any potential factors that may influence a judge or prosecutor to reduce or dismiss charges.
Did you know our firm can offer financing for your legal fees through our partner company Affirm?
Potential Non-Criminal Penalties for Theft in Maryland
Aside from jail and a fine, there are several other impacts a theft case can have on your life.
Immigration consequences can be swift and serious if you are not a United States citizen.
You also risk losing your housing, the right to serve on a jury, future income, and various professional licenses.
We have an entire article devoted to collateral consquences for theft charges here.
Hiring an Experienced Maryland Theft Lawyer, Today
Our lawyers, Mirriam Z. Seddiq and Justin Eisele, have over forty-five (45) years of legal experience. They have handled hundreds of theft cases over their careers.
They may be able to help you avoid a conviction at all through a probation before judgment, stet, or ACS offer.
Call us 24/7 at 301.513.7832. Or, fill out our online intake form here, and someone will call you within ten (10) minutes.
