Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

petty theft/found gift card

I found a gift card outside by a curb of my daughter's boyfriends house, gave to my 20 yr old daughter. Didn't know if it had funds on it or not. We were both present when card was used about a week later to purchase some baby clothes for my grandaughter, now 20 yr old girl that lost card has charged my daughter with petty theft for a $50 gift card that I actually found and gave to her. She was served a summons and has to go to a preliminary hearing. This girl and my daughter have not liked each other since high school, but we didn't know who the card belonged to. As soon as we heard she had lost the card, I called her and went to the residence to pay her cash, she refused, said she was gonna get my daughter in trouble. A week later, she decided she wanted the money, so I wrote a check, she changed her mind again. Then she asked for the check again, which I did write 2nd time. She hasn't decided if she will cash it or not. This is ludicrous.She even went to the store and got a video, so she says, of us using the card. Of course we did, we said we did. What can we do with this situation. Neither my daughter or I have ever had any trouble with the law. I work in insurance, so I certainly don't need any legal problems. Help.


Asked on 8/26/07, 7:05 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

petty theft/found gift card

First, she probably does not have a video. Second, don't admit anything without first consulting with a lawyer. Admissions can be used against you. There are many defenses in this case. A good criminal trial lawyer should be able to prevent your daughter from having a conviction. Since your daughter was not the one who found the card, but received it from you, she should be found not guilty.

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Answered on 8/29/07, 2:31 pm

petty theft/found gift card

First, she probably does not have a video. Second, don't admitt anything without first consulting with a lawyer. Admissions can be used against you. There are many defense in this case. A good criminal trial lawyer should be able to prevent your daughter from having a conviction. Since your daughter was not the one who found the card, but received it from you, she should be found not guilty.

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Answered on 8/29/07, 10:12 am


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