Baltimore Theft Crimes Lawyer
Robbery & Burglary Attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
Theft, burglary, and robbery are serious offenses and deserve the attention of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you are charged with theft, burglary, or robbery, it is important to fight these charges as they can have serious consequences, including a hefty jail sentence. Albers & Associates is an experienced criminal defense law firm located in Baltimore, Maryland. Our firm handles a wide range of criminal cases, providing zealous and tenacious representation. We tirelessly fight for our clients. Our firm is ready to assess your case, guide you through your legal options, defend your rights, and protect your future. Contact Albers & Associates for a consultation.
What is the difference between theft, robbery, and burglary?
Though they are similar crimes, they are committed under different circumstances. Theft is the taking of property without a person-to-person interaction. Robbery is the taking of property with a person-to-person interaction involving force, intimidation, and/or coercion. Burglary is the theft of property after entering a building or residence with the intention of committing a theft or other crime. Burglary does not require a person-to-person interaction. For both burglary and robbery, the parties do not need to succeed in their goal and are often charged the same as if they committed the crime.
Maryland theft charges
Theft is simply the taking of property that does not belong to him or her. Theft is a common term for a range of offenses, including:
- Larceny
- Embezzlement
- False pretenses
- Shoplifting
- Receiving stolen property
When charged with this offense, the penalties often depend greatly on the value of the property stolen.
Petty theft: Petty theft is stolen property valued at $100 or less.
- Misdemeanor
- Up to 90 days in jail
- $500 fine
Misdemeanor theft: Misdemeanor theft is stolen property valued between $100 and $1000 dollars.
- Up to 18 months in jail
- $500 fine
Felony Theft of property between $1000 and $10,000
- Up to 10 years in prison
- $10,000 fine
Felony Theft of property between $10,000 and $100,000
- Up to 15 years in prison
- $15,000 fine
Felony Theft of property valued over $100,000
- Up to 25 years in prison
- $25,000 fine
Maryland burglary charges
As stated before, burglary is the attempt or commission of a crime or theft by entering a residence or building illegally. These charges range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
First-degree burglary: This is a felony. The potential jail time depends on intent and the type of structure. For those who illegally enter another’s dwelling can face:
- Up to 20 years in jail for the intent to commit theft
- Up to 25 years in jail for the intent to commit a crime of violence
Second-degree burglary: This is a felony. The consequences also depend on intent and the type of structure. For those who illegally enter a storehouse can face:
- Up to 15 years in jail for the intent to commit theft, violence, or arson
- Up to 20 years in jail and a fine up to $10,000 for the intent to steal a firearm
Third-degree burglary: This is a felony. The guilty party faces up to 10 years in jail for entering property illegally with the intent to commit a crime.
Fourth-degree burglary: Misdemeanor charge with up to 3 years of potential jail time.
Burglary with a destructive device: Felony with up to 20 years in prison.
Breaking into a Research Facility: Felony with up to 5 years in prison and a maximum of $5000 in fines.
Possession of Burglar’s Tools: Misdemeanor with up to 3 years in jail
Maryland robbery charges
Robbery is the theft of property or the attempt to commit theft with the use of force, coercion, or intimidation. Robbery is categorized into the regular offense and armed robbery.
Robbery: Robbery is a felony with the possibility of up to 15 years in jail
Armed robbery: Armed robbery is the commission or the attempt to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon or the display of a written instrument claiming to have a dangerous weapon. This is a felony with the possibility of up to 20 years in jail.
Contact Albers & Associates
If you have been arrested for theft, burglary, or robbery, contact Albers & Associates. Our firm is ready to assess your case, guide you through your options, and explore all defenses to free you of these charges. These offenses are quite serious. We provide zealous representation to clients in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland. Contact Albers & Associates for a consultation to discuss your legal matter or that of a loved one.