At Houlon Berman, we have over 50 years of experience representing clients in criminal matters all over the State of Maryland including Upper Marlboro, Rockville and also in D.C. We take pride in the results we obtain for our clients and can assist you in any criminal case, regardless of the charges, due to our experienced and dedicated attorneys. Our approach starts with full investigation of the facts of your case in consideration of the elements of the offense and with an eye toward obtaining the best possible results for you. The elements of every offense with which you are charged are described at trial for the jury in the form of a jury instruction.
In every case, the prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The client has no burden of proof. It is always on the prosecution, plus the jury’s verdict must be unanimous. Maryland theft cases include charges that arise in many situations including shoplifting, theft of a vehicle, or complex theft schemes. The value of the item(s) stolen has a large impact on the potential penalty a Defendant faces.
In order to prove the offense of theft, the State must prove the following elements of the offense:
- That the defendant willfully or knowingly obtained or exerted unauthorized control over property of the owner; and
- That the Defendant
- Had the purpose of depriving the owner of the property; or
- Willfully or knowingly abandoned, used, or concealed the property in such a manner as to deprive the owner of the property or knew that the abandonment, use, or conealment probably would deprive the owner of the property
- And that the property had value (different offense levels for $100, $1500, $10,000, or $100,000)
In Maryland, many theft cases go to trial, while others reach a resolution in lieu of trial. At Houlon Berman, we take each and every theft case one by one with an eye toward achieving the best possible result for our clients. Our criminal defense attorneys at Houlon Berman have broad experience representing clients successfully in theft cases. Our success derives from our uncompromising commitment to our clients, and hard work.. Out clients receive a robust defense in each and every case.
If you have a theft case in Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville, Bowie, Greenbelt, College Park, Laurel, Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, or anywhere else in the State of Maryland, please contact us.
