People are often shocked by how much trouble can come from a relatively small theft allegation. Theft under $100 is a common charge in Maryland, and it often grows out of a shoplifting allegation. It is still a crime of dishonesty, and a conviction can hurt your job, your reputation, your professional future, and your standing with anyone who thinks trust matters. I can help you fight this charge.
Even a small theft case can do lasting damage to your job prospects, your reputation, and your security clearance. I can help you avoid those consequences.
Why Theft Under $100 Still Matters
People sometimes make the mistake of treating a theft under $100 case like a nuisance charge that will go away if they just explain themselves, apologize, or pay something back. That is often a serious mistake. Even where the alleged value is low, a theft charge can threaten your reputation for trustworthiness with employers, licensing boards, and security clearance investigators.
That is why people with perfectly decent jobs, professional licenses, or plans for the future can still have a great deal to lose over a theft under $100 charge.
Theft Under $100
Theft under $100 is the lowest ordinary theft tier, but it is still a criminal charge. If you are convicted, the fact that the amount was small does not erase the theft conviction from your record. That is why even a case involving a relatively small amount of property can still be worth fighting seriously.
Maximum Penalty
The maximum penalty for theft under $100 is 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. That does not mean every case ends that way, but it does mean you should not treat the charge casually. A charge at this level is still serious enough to deserve a serious defense.
How These Charges Usually Arise
Many theft under $100 cases grow out of shoplifting allegations. Others come from accusations that property was borrowed and not returned, or that someone took money or items in a personal dispute. Sometimes the charge is accurate. Sometimes it is exaggerated, based on assumptions, or filed in anger. The fact that the amount is small does not mean the case is simple.
Why Value Still Matters
Even though the value is often not the main factual issue at trial, it still matters because it affects how the case is charged and what the possible penalties are. It can also matter a great deal in negotiations. In the right case, there may be room to argue that the facts do not support the charge level the State chose.
Defenses
The State still has to prove a theft, not just a loss. Ownership, permission, intent, identity, and value all matter. In some cases, the issue is whether anything was stolen at all. In others, the real problem is that the witness is mistaken, the investigation was rushed, or the accusation is being used as leverage in some other dispute. These cases often turn on details that people do not realize matter until it is too late.
The sooner I get involved, the better your chances usually are. If you are charged with theft under $100 in Maryland, call me at (301) 556-8709. I offer flat fees in almost every case, and I can help you protect your record and your good name.
