The Consequences of Shoplifting in Maryland

If you have been arrested for shoplifting in Maryland, the consequences you are facing depend on the specific facts of your case. Unlike many other states, Maryland does not have a specific shoplifting statute. Instead, shoplifting is prosecuted under the state’s theft statute, and the penalties for theft convictions are based on the value of the property involved.

Maryland’s Penalties for Shoplifting

All theft crimes, including shoplifting, carry steep penalties under Maryland law. If convicted of shoplifting in Maryland’s criminal courts, you can face penalties up to:

• Shoplifting Property Worth Less Than $100 – 90 days in jail and a $500 fine
• Shoplifting Property Worth $101 to $1,499 – Six months in jail and a $500 fine
• Shoplifting Property Worth $1,500 to $24,999 – Five years in prison and a $10,000 fine

In all cases, individuals convicted of shoplifting in Maryland must also “restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property.” This is in addition to the fine imposed.

While shoplifting property worth up to $1,499 is a misdemeanor in Maryland, shoplifting property worth $1,500 or more is a felony. If you get convicted of felony shoplifting, you could face additional consequences, including loss of your gun rights, voting rights, and other civil rights. While you may be able to restore these rights eventually, doing so can prove challenging in many cases.

Of course, regardless of whether you are convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, your conviction will negatively impact your life in many other ways (though, here, too, felony convictions tend to have much more serious consequences). For example, with a shoplifting conviction on your record, you will likely find it more difficult to:

• Get into school
• Get a loan
• Find a job
• Find housing

If you are a licensed professional (i.e., a real estate agent, home inspector, engineer, architect, accountant, doctor, or attorney), or if you are a non-U.S. citizen, getting convicted of shoplifting in Maryland can have professional licensing or immigration consequences as well. Likewise, if you are a member of the military, getting convicted of shoplifting can have negative implications for your service. As a result, while the court-imposed penalties for shoplifting can be substantial, these can also be just the start of the consequences of your conviction.

Defending Against Shoplifting Charges in Maryland

With these risks in mind, if you have been arrested for shoplifting in Maryland, you need to prioritize your defense. There are several potential ways to defend against shoplifting charges in Maryland, and an experienced shoplifting defense lawyer will be able to determine which defense (or defenses) you can assert in your case.

Schedule an Appointment with Maryland Shoplifting Lawyer Cynthia Christiani

Have you been arrested for shoplifting in Maryland? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for more information. To discuss your defense with Maryland shoplifting lawyer Cynthia Christiani in confidence, call us at 443-405-8211 or tell us how we can get in touch online today.