Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland
my friend stole some things and says that the police came to his house to arrest him and found half the things he stole in his room, so he's now charged with theft. But he says that the police can't place him at the scence of the crime......so i guess i just want to know whats going to happen to him
3 Answers from Attorneys
Well, in MD, theft convictions can lie for simply possession of stolen property with the knowledge that it's stolen. As far as what will happen, I will need more details about his past, when and where he is going to Court, etc.
Exactly what will happen depends on the state meeting its burden of proof, and if your friend is convicted, his prior record. Even if the state cannot put him at the scene, it can prove possession of stolen goods, which violates the same statute and carries the same possible penalties, up to 90 days if the value is less than $100, 18 months if the value is less than $1,000, 10 years if the value is $1,000 - $10,000, 15 years for $10,000 - $100,000, and 25 years for $100,000 or more. There are also fines. Subsequent offenders are subject to enhanced penalties.
Your friend should contact an attorney to discuss the value of the goods, the complaint, the complaintant, the willingness of the State to pursue conviction and what is a reasonable course of action given the facts that you state.
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