Baltimore Theft Lawyer | Expert Theft Defense in Baltimore City & County

Theft charges in Baltimore range from minor shoplifting to serious felony theft, each carrying significant consequences that can impact your employment, professional licenses, and future opportunities. Whether you're facing misdemeanor theft under $1,500 or felony theft over $25,000, you need an experienced Baltimore theft lawyer who understands the local courts and knows how to build an effective defense.

At FrizWoods, our Baltimore theft attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of theft cases throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County. We understand that theft charges often arise from misunderstandings, desperation, or circumstances beyond your control, and we work aggressively to protect your reputation and future.

Luke Woods

Defense for misdemeanor and felony theft, shoplifting, and fraud-related matters.

• Challenges ID, intent, and valuation; pursues dismissals and reductions.
• Restitution-forward resolutions to avoid convictions where possible.
• Experience with expungement eligibility and record shielding.

Max Frizalone

Strategic negotiations and trial work to minimize criminal record impact.

• Early engagement with prosecutors to shape charging decisions.
• Motions to exclude prejudicial evidence and statements.
• Client-focused plans to protect employment and licensing.

Baltimore Theft Charges We Defend

Misdemeanor Theft

• Theft under $100: Up to 90 days jail and $500 fine
• Theft $100-$1,500: Up to 6 months jail and $500 fine
• Shoplifting: Retail theft regardless of value, often with civil penalties
• Theft of services: Not paying for services received

Felony Theft

• Theft $1,500-$25,000: Up to 5 years prison and $10,000 fine
• Theft $25,000-$100,000: Up to 10 years prison and $15,000 fine
• Theft over $100,000: Up to 20 years prison and $25,000 fine
• Organized retail theft: Enhanced penalties for coordinated retail crime

Related Charges

• Burglary: Breaking and entering with intent to commit theft
• Robbery: Theft using force or threat of force
• Fraud: Obtaining property through deception or false pretenses
• Identity theft: Using another person's identity to obtain property

White Collar Theft

• Embezzlement: Theft by employees or fiduciaries
• Credit card fraud: Unauthorized use of payment cards
• Check fraud: Forged, altered, or insufficient fund checks
• Computer crimes: Theft using electronic means

Baltimore's Retail Crime Focus

Loss Prevention Partnerships

Baltimore retailers work closely with police through:

• Organized retail crime units targeting repeat offenders and theft rings
• Enhanced surveillance including facial recognition and tracking systems
• Civil recovery programs seeking restitution beyond criminal penalties
• Coordinated prosecutions between multiple jurisdictions for theft rings

Downtown and Harbor Area

High-value retail areas receive special attention:

• Inner Harbor shops: Enhanced security and rapid police response
• Downtown retail: Coordinated loss prevention with business improvement districts
• Shopping centers: Private security working with Baltimore police
• Tourist areas: Aggressive prosecution to protect Baltimore's image

Our Baltimore Theft Defense Strategy

Challenging Intent

Theft requires proof of intent to permanently deprive the owner:

• Mistake or confusion: Accidentally taking items without intent to steal
• Good faith belief: Reasonable belief you had right to the property
• Lack of intent: Circumstances showing no criminal intent
• Mental health issues: Conditions affecting ability to form intent

Value Disputes

The value of stolen property determines charge severity:

• Challenging appraisals: Questioning retail vs. actual value
• Market value analysis: Proving lower fair market value
• Condition disputes: Arguing property was damaged or defective
• Expert testimony: Using appraisers to challenge prosecution values

Identity and Possession

We challenge whether you actually committed the theft:

• Mistaken identity: Challenging witness identification
• Lack of possession: Proving you never had control of the property
• Surveillance evidence: Analyzing video for identification issues
• Alibi evidence: Proving you were elsewhere when theft occurred

Baltimore Court Experience

District Court Locations

Baltimore City:

• Patapsco District Court: South Baltimore theft cases
• Eastside District Court: East Baltimore retail crime
• Wabash District Court: North Baltimore theft prosecutions

Baltimore County:

• Essex District Court: Eastern county theft cases
• Catonsville District Court: Western county retail crime
• Towson District Court: Central county theft charges

Circuit Court Defense

Serious theft cases proceed to Circuit Court:

• Baltimore City Circuit Court: Complex fraud and organized theft cases
• Baltimore County Circuit Court: Major theft and white collar crime cases

Our attorneys have extensive experience with both simple and complex theft prosecutions.

Alternative Resolutions

Diversion Programs

First-time offenders may qualify for:

• Pretrial diversion: Completing requirements to dismiss charges
• Community service: Alternative to traditional prosecution
• Theft education programs: Classes addressing underlying issues
• Restitution agreements: Paying back victims to avoid conviction

Plea Negotiations

When appropriate, we negotiate for:

• Charge reductions from felonies to misdemeanors
• Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid conviction records
• Suspended sentences with probation instead of jail time
• Expungement eligibility to protect future opportunities

Civil Consequences

Retail Civil Recovery

Beyond criminal charges, retailers may seek:

• Civil penalties up to $1,500 plus attorney fees
• Restitution for stolen merchandise and security costs
• Trespass bans preventing return to stores
• Collection actions for unpaid civil penalties

Employment Impact

Theft convictions can affect:

• Professional licenses for healthcare, education, and financial services
• Security clearances for government and contractor positions
• Employment opportunities requiring background checks and bonding
• Immigration status for non-citizens facing deportation risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I'm accused of shoplifting in Baltimore?

Remain calm and don't resist or argue with store security. Ask for an attorney immediately and don't sign any statements or admissions. Contact FrizWoods as soon as possible for representation.

Can theft charges be dismissed in Baltimore?

Yes, theft charges can be dismissed through various means including insufficient evidence, successful motion practice, witness credibility issues, or negotiated resolutions with prosecutors and victims.

What's the difference between theft and robbery in Maryland?

Theft involves taking property without force, while robbery involves using force or threat of force. Robbery is always a felony with much harsher penalties than simple theft.

Will I go to jail for first-time theft in Baltimore?

Not necessarily. First-time offenders often receive probation, community service, or diversion programs that avoid jail time and conviction records. An experienced attorney can negotiate for alternatives.

How does the value of stolen property affect my case?

Value determines whether charges are misdemeanors or felonies and affects potential penalties. We often challenge value assessments to reduce charge severity and potential sentences.

Why Choose FrizWoods for Baltimore Theft Defense

• Local Court Expertise: Daily appearances in all Baltimore theft courts
• Value Challenge Experience: Proven track record of reducing theft charges through value disputes
• Negotiation Skills: Success obtaining diversion and alternative resolutions
• Comprehensive Defense: We handle both criminal charges and civil recovery actions
• 24/7 Availability: Immediate response for theft arrests and investigations

Areas We Serve in Baltimore

Baltimore City Shopping Areas:
Inner Harbor, Downtown, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Canton, Hampden, Charles Village

Baltimore County Retail Centers:
Towson Town Center, White Marsh Mall, Eastpoint Mall, Security Square Mall, Owings Mills Mall

Contact Our Baltimore Theft Defense Team

Theft charges in Baltimore can have lasting consequences on your reputation and future opportunities. Don't let one mistake define your life. Contact FrizWoods today for experienced theft defense that protects your rights and future.

Call (301) 720-1917 or visit our contact page for a free consultation with a Baltimore theft lawyer who will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.