Theft-Scheme Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland
Aggregation, Value, and Felony Exposure in Towson, Essex, and Catonsville
A theft scheme charge is how Baltimore County turns a series of smaller takings into one case. Under Criminal Law § 7-103(f), if the State says the takings were part of one scheme or a continuing course of conduct, it may treat them as one crime and add the values together. The owners do not have to be the same. The added total is what decides whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony under § 7-104.
That is the difference between a simple citation and a Circuit Court case. Three losses under $1,500 can stay three misdemeanors. Added together, they can cross $1,500 and become a felony with a maximum of 5 years. Higher totals carry 10 years or 20 years. The scheme itself is what has to be proved. Separate dates, separate owners, and separate decisions are not automatically one plan.
At Shepard Law in Towson, principal attorney Stephen P. Shepard provides client-centered and compassionate criminal defense representation to individuals facing theft scheme 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
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.
What the State Has to Prove
A theft scheme is still a theft case under § 7-104. The State must prove unauthorized control, or control by deception, and an intent to deprive the owner. Section 7-103(f) adds the aggregation question: were the takings one scheme or one continuing course of conduct? If they were not, each taking is its own case, and each value stands alone.
Value is market value at the time and place of the crime, or replacement cost if market value cannot be shown. If it cannot be determined whether the value is more or less than $1,500, the statute treats it as less than $1,500. If it cannot be determined whether the value is more or less than $100, it is treated as less than $100. A total that rests on estimates, retail tags without a sale, or losses from dates the State cannot tie to the client is a total that can be cut.
Where the Case Is Heard
A misdemeanor scheme is set in District Court in Towson, Essex, or Catonsville, depending on where the charge was filed. A felony scheme is 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 the Circuit Court for Baltimore County in Towson.
What a Scheme Charge Is Not
A single taking is a general theft case. That charge is covered on our theft page. A store detention on one date is usually shoplifting, also charged under § 7-104. A card or a name can be credit card theft or identity fraud under a different statute. Organized retail theft under § 7-104.1 is a separate felony when the aggregated value exceeds $1,500. It can be charged alongside § 7-104. It is not the same allegation as a continuing scheme between two people who know each other.
Why Choose Shepard Law for a Theft Scheme Charge 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 a Theft Scheme Lawyer in Towson 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. A single taking is covered on our theft page. A store stop is on our shoplifting page. Attorney Stephen P. Shepard is prepared to listen carefully to your story and provide the client-centered and compassionate representation you deserve on a theft scheme charge anywhere in Baltimore County.
Yes, if the State proves they were one scheme or one continuing course of conduct and the added value is $1,500 or more. If the takings were separate, each value stands alone.
No. Section 7-103(f) allows aggregation whether the property came from the same source or from several sources. The scheme still has to be proved.
If it cannot be determined whether the value is more or less than $1,500, the statute treats the value as less than $1,500. The charge stays a misdemeanor.
Yes. Shepard Law represents clients from Towson, Essex, Catonsville, and surrounding communities. Call (410) 648-4008 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
