Legal Question in Disability Law in Maryland

Is your son over or under 18 years of age? If he's under 18, the juvenile system will handle the situation.

If he's over 18, he falls under the Maryland criminal statute. The penalty for a theft charge is related to the value of the goods allegedly stolen. If the value of the stolen property is OVER $500, then the crime is a felony. If the value of the property is UNDER $500, then the crime is a misdemeanor.

In addition to the possibility of jail time, Maryland law requires the property to be restored to the owner or that the owner be compensated for the value of the stolen property, i.e. restitution.

Since it's his first offense, the most your son will get for his "fooling around" is 90 days in jail by law. The judge will have discretion as to whether your son serves some, any, or all of that 90 days.

CRIMES INVOLVING THEFT

Theft, Less than $100 -- Maximum of 90 days in jail

Theft, Less than $500 -- Maximum�18 months; Fine�$500

Theft, Greater than $500 -- Felony Charge. Maximum�15 years; Fine�$25,000

Theft by Use of Computer Service, Less than $500 -- Maximum�18 months; Fine�$500

Theft by Use of Computer Service, Greater than $500 -- Maximum�15 years; Fine�$25,000

Theft of Motor Vehicle -- Maximum�5 years; Fine�$5,000

Best of luck.*******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.********