Theft Charges Demand a Fact-Based Defense
Theft defense in Annapolis for clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges based on unauthorized control of property
Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law defends individuals charged with theft in Annapolis and across Anne Arundel County. You may be accused of taking property without permission, failing to return borrowed items, or using deception to obtain goods or services. Maryland law defines theft broadly as the unauthorized control of property with the intent to deprive the owner, and the distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony depends on the value of the property involved. Charges involving property valued under a certain threshold are typically misdemeanors, while higher-value allegations can result in felony prosecution, restitution orders, and incarceration.
Theft cases often turn on the question of intent. The prosecution must prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property, not that you borrowed it, forgot to return it, or made an honest mistake about ownership. This firm reviews the circumstances surrounding the accusation, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and any admissions you may have made to law enforcement. In cases involving mistaken identity, lack of intent, or disputes over ownership, those facts become the foundation of the defense strategy.
If you are facing theft charges in Anne Arundel County or surrounding areas, contact this office to review the allegations and discuss your legal options.
Reducing Charges and Limiting Long-Term Consequences
Your defense begins with a clear understanding of what the prosecution can prove and what it cannot. You need to know whether the property was accurately valued, whether the evidence supports the claim that you exercised unauthorized control, and whether any affirmative defenses apply. In some cases, the value of the property is inflated, the alleged victim consented to your possession, or the surveillance evidence is inconclusive. Each of these issues can be used to challenge the charge or negotiate a reduction.
After the case is resolved, what you will notice is whether you avoided a permanent conviction, whether restitution was required, and whether the outcome allows you to move forward without a theft offense on your record. Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law works to secure dismissals, probation before judgment, or reductions to lesser charges that do not carry the same employment and housing consequences. A theft conviction can disqualify you from certain jobs, professional licenses, and housing opportunities, and avoiding that conviction is often the primary goal of the defense.
The prosecution must prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt, and that burden creates openings for defense. If the evidence shows confusion, consent, or a good-faith belief that you had permission to take the property, those facts undermine the state's case. The defense also reviews whether you were properly identified, whether any statements you made were coerced, and whether the alleged victim has a motive to fabricate the claim.
Clients charged with theft often need clarity about the legal process and the potential outcomes before deciding how to proceed.
Common Questions About Theft Charges in Maryland
The distinction is based on the value of the property, with felony theft charges applying when the value exceeds a statutory threshold set by Maryland law.
What is the difference between misdemeanor and felony theft in Maryland?
Intent to deprive the owner permanently is an element the prosecution must prove, so evidence that you planned to return the item can support a defense based on lack of intent.
Can I be charged with theft if I intended to return the property?
The prosecution typically relies on receipts, replacement costs, or expert appraisals, and the defense can challenge those valuations if they appear inflated or unsupported.
How does the court determine the value of stolen property?
Penalties range from fines and probation for misdemeanors to years of incarceration and restitution orders for felony-level theft, and a conviction can also result in a permanent criminal record.
What are the penalties for a theft conviction in Annapolis?
The decision to prosecute rests with the state, not the victim, but a victim's reluctance to cooperate can weaken the prosecution's case and create opportunities for dismissal or reduction.
Can a theft charge be dismissed if the alleged victim does not want to press charges?
This office represents clients throughout Anne Arundel County and surrounding areas in theft cases, and each case is handled with attention to the specific facts and the client's long-term interests. Contact this office to discuss your case.