Maryland Theft Laws

• Maryland Code § 7-101, et seq.
• Maryland Code § 3-1302 (civil liability for shoplifting)

• Larceny
• Larceny by trick
• Larceny after trust
• Embezzlement
• False pretenses
• Shoplifting
• Receiving stolen property

A person acts "knowingly" in the following scenarios:

1. With respect to conduct or a circumstance described as theft, when the person is aware of the conduct or that the circumstance exists;
2. With respect to the result of conduct described as theft, when the person is practically certain that the result will be caused by the person's conduct; and
3. With respect to a person's knowledge of the existence of a particular fact, if that knowledge is an element of a crime, when the person is practically certain of the existence of that fact.

Classification of a theft charge is based on the value of the property allegedly stolen:

• Petty Theft ($100 or less): Misdemeanor, up to 90 days jail and/or up to a $500 fine
• Misdemeanor Theft (between $100 and $1,000): Up to 18 months in jail and/or up to a $500 fine
• Felony Theft (between $1,000 and $10,000): Up to 10 yrs. in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine
• Felony Theft (between $10,000 and $100,000): Up to 15 yrs. in prison and/or up to a $15,000 fine
• Felony Theft (more than $100,000): Up to 25 yrs. in prison and/or up to a $25,000 fine

A responsible person is civilly liable to the merchant:

1. To restore merchandise to the merchant or, if it's not recoverable, has been damaged, or otherwise has lost all or part of its value, to pay the merchant an amount equal to the merchant's stated sales price for the merchandise;
2. To pay the merchant for any other actual damages sustained, not including the loss of time or wages incurred in connection with the apprehension or prosecution of the shoplifter or employee; and
3. To pay the merchant a civil penalty equal to twice the merchant's stated sales price for the merchandise, but not less than $50 nor more than $1,000.