Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Re: petty theft

The maximum sentence is 18 months in prison. An attorney could help you keep your record clean even if the evidence is very strong against you. My fee for this type of charge is $750. Good luck.

Re: petty theft

The penalty for petty theft (theft under the value of $500.00) is a fine and up to 18 months in jail. With no prior criminal record, you can expect to get supervised probation and a fine. However, a lawyer can review the case and possibly find a way to get a not guilty, or less conditions on your probation. You should not even consider going to court without a lawyer.

Re: petty theft

I have done many of these cases. From what you are saying, and if there are no other agrivating factors, a good lawyer should be able to get the case either dropped or get a conditional drop ("Nolle Proseque") with some (20-30 hours)community service throug the Court's Alternative Community Services (ACS) Program. That is never a guarantee but that should be the proper result in 90% of cases with your basis factors. If you do not already have a lawyer, call me to schedule a free consultation. My fees for the district court are listed on the Web at afshinpishevarlaw.

After your case is dropped you should not forget to file for expungement so that you have no record of any kind. You need to hire a lawyer and take this very seriously, but dont loose sleap, the key is in how you approach your responsibilities. Best of luck.

-AP