Baltimore Attorney for Larceny by Trick

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

Maryland recently consolidated its theft offenses into a single crime. In the past, larceny by trick was one of these offenses. If you or one of your family members was arrested for larceny in Baltimore, it is vital to protect yourself by hiring an experienced theft defense attorney, like Randolph Rice. Depending on the amount of funds or goods that were stolen, larceny can be graded as a felony. If you are convicted, you may receive prison time, high fines, and a felony record, which can create serious obstacles long after your case ends.
A former Assistant State’s Attorney, Randolph Rice is committed to providing the vigorous, hard-hitting defense you need, upholding your constitutional rights while seeking ways to effectively avoid or reduce criminal penalties. To speak with Randolph Rice confidentially in a free legal consultation about larceny charges in Baltimore, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras online, or call (410) 431-0911 today.

What is Larceny by Trick in Maryland?

Larceny by trick is one of seven theft-related offenses listed under Maryland Criminal Law Section 7-102. Larceny by trick is related to but separate from the other offenses named under this section, which include larceny (theft), larceny after trust, embezzlement, false pretenses, shoplifting (sometimes referred to as “retail theft”), and receiving stolen property. If you have been charged with any of these offenses, or if one of your family members was arrested on larceny charges in Baltimore, it is in your best interests to contact a competent defense attorney immediately for legal guidance. With prompt and strategic action, it may be possible to avoid or mitigate criminal penalties.
Larceny by trick, though highly similar to the offense of false pretenses, is unique among other larceny charges in that it specifically involves lying about or misrepresenting facts in order to unlawfully take possession of someone else’s property. The element of deception is why this offense is known as larceny “by trick.”

Criminal Penalties for Larceny by Trick

The penalties for larceny by trick depend on the way the offense is classified. This brings up an important question: How are larceny crimes classified in Maryland? In other words, when is larceny a misdemeanor? When is it a felony? And how do the penalties differ for each?
Larceny by trick, like other theft offenses, is classified based on the value of the funds or goods stolen. The higher the value of the stolen items, the greater the maximum penalties. Beyond a certain threshold, larceny by trick becomes a felony, as described below:

  • When larceny by trick involves theft of less than $100, it is a misdemeanor offense. The maximum sentence is 90 days in jail, and the maximum criminal fine is $500.
  • When larceny by trick involves theft of $100 to $1,499, it is also a misdemeanor offense. However, the maximum jail sentence increases from 90 days to six months, doubling in length.
  • When larceny by trick involves theft of $1,500 to $24,999, it becomes a felony offense, which is more serious than a misdemeanor. The maximum sentence is five years in prison, and/or a maximum criminal fine of $10,000. A felony conviction can also result in the loss of certain privileges and opportunities, such as gun ownership or travel abroad, while often making it harder to find a job or get qualified for loans and housing. Prospective employers may look more negatively on a felony record than on a misdemeanor record, particularly if the offense involved felony theft from a business or a former client or employer.
  • When larceny by trick involves theft of $25,000 to $99,999, it is a felony. Penalties increase to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, with a maximum criminal fine of $15,000.
  • When larceny by trick involves theft of $100,000 or more, it is a felony subject to maximum criminal penalties of 20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $25,000.

Baltimore Defense Lawyer for Larceny by Trick Charges

If you or one of your family members was arrested for larceny by trick or related offenses in Baltimore, you need to consult with a criminal defense lawyer for help right away. You are at risk of serious criminal penalties, making it urgent to build a strong tactical defense.
To set up a free legal consultation with a criminal lawyer for larceny by trick charges in Baltimore, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras online, or call (410) 431-0911. Serving the Baltimore region, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide assistance with your legal matter.

Resources