Theft offenses involve people or organizations misappropriating assets or money that should belong to others. Theft primarily causes economic harm, although some forms of threat can result in physical harm as well. Burglaries and robberies, for example, may lead to interpersonal violence if people try to defend their property.
There are a number of different types of theft offenses that prosecutors now treat as theft in Maryland. Each type of theft offense can potentially lead to the same general penalties depending on the value and type of property involved.
Larceny
Larceny is a legal term for theft. Larceny occurs when one party takes assets that belong to another party without their consent.
Larceny by trick
Some parties mislead others to gain control of their assets or money. Perhaps one party agrees to sell their older vehicle to a neighbor for $500. They allow them to leave with the vehicle, but then call to report it stolen. They intend to retain the vehicle and the money paid to purchase it.
Larceny after trust
Some people commit financial crimes or theft by gaining the trust of another party. Someone serving as a financial advisor might steal the money a client intended to invest, for example. A person entrusted with estate resources could misappropriate them for personal gain instead of fulfilling their duty to beneficiaries and heirs.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is technically a form of larceny after trust. Employees violate the trust given by their employers by misappropriating physical assets or money for their own gain. Embezzlement can range from stealing computer equipment to misusing company expense accounts.
False pretenses
Theft offenses involving false pretenses occur when one party intentionally misrepresents the situation to someone else to steal from them. For example, the use of a quit claim deed to transfer real estate that the seller does not own could constitute larceny by trick. By the time the buyer discovers that the seller isn’t the owner, the funds they paid could be long gone.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting or retail fraud involves stealing items from stores. People can alter bar codes, leave without paying or even hide items inside other items they purchase.
Possessing stolen property
It is a crime to possess or resell items stolen from someone else or a business. Those found in possession of stolen goods can potentially face the same penalties as the party that actually stole those items.
Those accused of theft offenses may need help preparing a reasonable criminal defense strategy. Factors ranging from the state’s evidence to the criminal record of the party accused can influence the best response to charges. With appropriate help, those accused of theft crimes can potentially reduce the penalties they face or avoid a conviction altogether.