Baltimore Fraud Defense Lawyer
Facing charges of theft or fraud in Maryland is a serious criminal matter. In addition to the damage to your reputation and the impacts that go with having a criminal record, you could be facing a potentially lengthy jail sentence as well.
At the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., our Baltimore criminal lawyer understands the serious nature of these charges, and provides the aggressive legal representation you need at a time like this. Through his experience in handling thousands of cases through his own practice and in his prior history in working with the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, he can help you strategize the best course of defense.
Types of Theft Fraud Crimes Under Maryland Laws
There are a number of different types and classifications of theft and fraud charges listed under the Maryland Code of Laws. These charges generally involve illegally taking, appropriating, or otherwise obtaining and using property, goods, services, or some profit or benefit that belongs to an individual, group, or institution, depriving the actual owner of their rightful use. Theft and fraud crimes are listed under Title 7 and Title 8 of the Maryland Criminal Code, and can include everything from minor charges to major criminal violations involving conspiracy. At the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., we represent clients charged with theft fraud crimes, including:
- Shoplifting;
- Motor Vehicle Theft;
- Embezzlement;
- Forgery and Writing Bad Checks;
- Misappropriating Funds;
- Credit Card Crimes;
- Identity Fraud;
- Commercial Fraud;
- Fraud Committed Against the General Public;
- Crimes Against Estates;
- Crimes Against Vulnerable Adults;
Counterfeiting, Racketeering, and Related Crimes.
If you are arrested and charged with any of the above theft fraud crimes, it is important to get legal representation as soon as possible. The best possible strategy to avoid potential jail time and a criminal record is to have an experienced criminal attorney working hard on your defense.
Charges and Penalties for Theft Fraud Crimes In Maryland
The types of charges you are likely to face for theft fraud crimes depend on the specific type of crime committed, as well as other factors involved, including the individual or the institution the crime was committed against. Depending on the circumstances involved, you could be facing misdemeanor charges, which are for minor crimes involving potential jail sentences of one year or less. Other situations could find you facing more severe felony charges, with mandatory minimum jail sentences lasting multiple years.
Whether the crime you are accused of is a misdemeanor or felony, both can have a serious impact on your freedom and financial security. Any type of criminal record could prevent you from obtaining work, getting student loans, or being eligible for a home mortgage or apartment lease, while even a minimum jail sentence could cost you your job, and threaten you and your family’s future financial security. Under Maryland law, charges and penalties associated with theft fraud crimes in Maryland include:
Theft of Property of Services
- If valued at less than $1,000, these are misdemeanor charges with potential fines up to $500 and up to 18 months’ imprisonment.
- If valued over $1,000 but less than $10,000, these are felony charges, with potential fines up to $10,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
- If valued over $10,000 but less than $100,000, you face felony charges, with fines up to $15,000 and up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
- If valued at $100,000 or more, you face felony charges, fines up to $25,000 and up to 25 years’ imprisonment.
Theft Fraud Crimes
Writing bad checks valued at less than $500 is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500 and up to 18 months in jail, while values over $500 are classified as a felony, with fines up to $1,000 and up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Credit card theft is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500 and up to 18 months in jail, while counterfeiting a credit card is a felony, with fines up to $10,000 and up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Identity fraud involving loss of services at $500 or less is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500 and up to 18 months in jail, while values over $500 are classified as a felony, with fines up to $25,000 and up to 15 years’ imprisonment
In addition to the above charges and penalties, you could also be facing federal charges depending on the circumstances and the type of theft fraud crime you are accused of committing.
What Should I Do If I Am Arrested For A Theft Fraud Crime?
Your first step once a warrant has been issued or if you are placed under arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. We can help negotiate your release on bail, while attending any bond or arraignment hearings on your behalf. The court procedures you are required to follow depend on the nature of your charges:
If you are facing misdemeanor charges, your case will be prosecuted through the District Court and a judge will decide your case.
If you face felony theft fraud charges, your case will be handled by Maryland Circuit Court and a jury trial will be scheduled.
In either situation, it is important to have a lawyer you can trust by your side, gathering the evidence needed to build a strong legal defense.
Our Baltimore Fraud Defense Attorneys Can Help
If you are facing criminal charges as the result of a theft fraud crime, contact the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr. today. Our legal team will work tirelessly on your behalf, investigating the details of your case, subpoenaing witness statements, obtaining evidence, and negotiating with the prosecuting attorney to have your charges reduced or dismissed. Mr. Rice’s legal knowledge and skill are both well known within the legal community, and he has successfully handled court cases involving thousands of clients in our area. We serve Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard, and Worcester Counties. Contact us today for a professional advocate who is prepared to work aggressively on your behalf.