Theft Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland
Theft, Shoplifting, Robbery, and Related Charges in Towson, Essex, and Catonsville
A theft charge in Baltimore County is not one case. Maryland Criminal Law § 7-104 covers taking property, taking it by deception, and possessing property knowing it is stolen. The penalty follows the value. Under $1,500 is a misdemeanor. At $1,500 the same conduct is a felony. A store detention can be charged as shoplifting. A series of takings can be charged as a theft scheme. Force turns the case into robbery or armed robbery. A card or a name can be charged as credit card theft or identity fraud.
Each of those charges has its own page on this site. The charging document controls which page matches the case. The courthouse does too. Misdemeanor theft is heard in District Court in Towson, Essex, or Catonsville. Some felonies, or a misdemeanor on which a jury trial is prayed, is heard in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, which sits only in Towson.
At Shepard Law in Towson, principal attorney Stephen P. Shepard provides client-centered and compassionate criminal defense representation to individuals facing theft 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 store citation and a felony theft statement of charges do not wait on the same clock. If you have a court date, a summons, or a detention, call before the first appearance.
Call Shepard Law at (410) 648-4008 or complete our secure online contact form for a free, confidential 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.
Theft Under § 7-104
General theft is the charge Shepard Law sees most often. The State must prove unauthorized control, or control by deception, and an intent to deprive the owner. Value decides the maximum sentence and whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony.
Shoplifting
A detention at a store in Towson, White Marsh, Security Square, or elsewhere in the county is usually charged under § 7-104, not under a separate shoplifting statute. Value still controls the penalty. Loss-prevention reports, camera footage, and whether the person had left the store are the usual disputes. Read the full treatment on our shoplifting page.
Theft Scheme
When the State says several takings were part of one continuing plan, it can aggregate the value and charge a theft scheme. Aggregation is what turns a series of misdemeanors into a felony. The dates, the owners, and whether the takings were actually one scheme are the fight. That charge is covered on our theft scheme page.
Possession of Stolen Goods
Possessing property knowing it was stolen is theft under § 7-104, even if the person did not take it. Knowledge is the element. Presence near the property, or a ride in a car that contains it, is not the same thing. See our possession of stolen goods page.
Robbery and Armed Robbery
Robbery under § 3-402 is a felony with a maximum of 15 years. Armed robbery under § 3-403 is a felony with a maximum of 20 years. Force or the threat of force is what separates robbery from theft. A weapon, or the claim of a weapon, is what separates armed robbery from robbery. Those cases are heard in the Circuit Court in Towson. The elements and the sentencing exposure are on our robbery page and our armed robbery page.
Identity Theft and Credit Card Theft
Identity fraud under § 8-301 and credit card theft under § 8-204 are not general theft, even when the loss is money. Identity fraud penalties track value in tiers similar to § 7-104. Credit card theft is its own misdemeanor. A card found in a wallet, a name used on an application, and a purchase the cardholder disputes are different cases. Start with our identity theft page or our credit card theft page.
Why Choose Shepard Law for Theft Charges 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.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Towson Theft Lawyer Today
Call Shepard Law at (410) 648-4008 or complete our secure online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We also offer jail visits for a fee when needed. For a general theft charge, start with our theft page. Store cases are on our shoplifting page. A series of takings is on our theft scheme page. Force is on our robbery and armed robbery pages. A card or a name is on our credit card theft and identity theft pages. Attorney Stephen P. Shepard is prepared to listen carefully to your story and provide the client-centered and compassionate representation you deserve anywhere in Baltimore County.