Property Crimes Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland
Burglary, Trespassing, Property Damage, and Related Charges in Towson, Essex, and Catonsville
Property cases in Baltimore County are charged under Criminal Law Title 6. A posted-lot stop is trespassing. A broken window with a dollar figure is malicious destruction of property. Entry into a house or a store is burglary, and the degree depends on the building and the intent. A person in someone else’s car can be charged with rogue and vagabond. A fire in a structure is arson. A fire involving personal property is malicious burning.
Each of those charges has its own page on this site. Misdemeanors are heard in District Court in Towson, Essex, or Catonsville. Felony burglary and felony arson are heard in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, which sits only in Towson. A jury-trial prayer on a misdemeanor also moves the case to Circuit Court in Towson.
At Shepard Law in Towson, principal attorney Stephen P. Shepard provides client-centered and compassionate criminal defense representation to individuals facing property crime charges throughout Baltimore County. With more than a decade of dedicated service defending clients in Towson, Essex, Catonsville, and surrounding communities, our firm focuses on understanding your unique circumstances and protecting your future with thoughtful, personalized advocacy.
Take the Next Step – Contact Shepard Law Today
A property crime charge in Baltimore County requires prompt, compassionate legal guidance. The earlier you reach out, the better we can protect your rights and explore all available options.
Call Shepard Law at (410) 648-4008 or complete our secure online contact form for a confidential, free consultation. We also offer jail visits for a fee when needed. Attorney Stephen P. Shepard is prepared to listen carefully to your story, explain your rights, and provide the client-centered and compassionate representation you deserve.
What Are Property Crimes in Maryland?
Property crimes under Maryland law generally involve the unlawful interference with another person’s real or personal property. The most common charges defended by Shepard Law include:
- Arson (First- and Second-Degree) — §§ 6-102 and 6-103: Willfully and maliciously setting fire to or burning a dwelling, occupied structure, or any other structure.
- Malicious Burning — Covered under the arson statutes as the willful and malicious destruction of property by fire.
- Burglary (All Degrees) — §§ 6-202 through 6-205: Breaking and entering a dwelling, storehouse, building, or motor vehicle with the intent to commit theft or another crime.
- Trespassing — §§ 6-402 and 6-403: Entering or remaining on posted or private property without permission.
- Malicious Destruction of Property — § 6-301: Willfully and maliciously destroying, injuring, or defacing real or personal property of another (penalties escalate based on the value of damage).
- Rogue and Vagabond — § 6-206: Possessing burglar’s tools with intent to break into a motor vehicle or being in or on another’s motor vehicle with intent to commit theft.
Each offense carries its own elements, penalties, and potential defenses, but they all share the common theme of protecting property rights.
Why Choose Shepard Law for Property Crime Defense in Baltimore County
Stephen P. Shepard is a respected Baltimore County criminal defense attorney recognized by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star,” Avvo with a 10.0 “Superb” rating, Martindale-Hubbell as a “Client Champion Platinum,” and The National Trial Lawyers as a “Top 40 Under 40.” He is an active member of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and regularly appears in Baltimore County courts.
Our Towson office, located at 303 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, serves clients across Baltimore County. At Shepard Law, you receive client-centered and compassionate representation focused on your individual needs and long-term well-being.
Take the Next Step – Contact Shepard Law Today
Call Shepard Law at (410) 648-4008 or complete our secure online contact form for a confidential, free consultation. We also offer jail visits for a fee when needed. Attorney Stephen P. Shepard is prepared to listen carefully to your story, explain your rights, and provide the client-centered and compassionate representation you deserve.
Property crimes are offenses in Maryland Criminal Law Article 6 that involve unlawful interference with real or personal property. In Baltimore County they most often include trespassing, malicious destruction of property, arson, malicious burning, burglary, and rogue and vagabond.
Trespassing is unauthorized presence on posted or private property after notice. Burglary generally requires a breaking and entering, and the higher degrees also require intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or another crime inside. The same facts are sometimes charged both ways.
No. Rogue and vagabond under § 6-206 is a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of three years. It applies to possessing a burglar’s tool with intent to break into a motor vehicle, or being in or on another person’s vehicle with intent to steal the vehicle or its contents.
No. Both tiers of malicious destruction under § 6-301 are misdemeanors. Damage of $1,000 or more still carries up to three years of imprisonment and a $2,500 fine, so the misdemeanor label should not be mistaken for a minor case.
Arson under §§ 6-102 and 6-103 involves a dwelling or other structure. Malicious burning under §§ 6-104 and 6105 involves personal property and is graded by whether the damage is $1,000 or more.
Yes. Shepard Law defends property crime charges in Towson District Court and Baltimore County Circuit Court and represents clients from Towson, Essex, Catonsville, and surrounding communities. Call (410) 648-4008 to schedule a confidential, free consultation.