Many people make the mistake of assuming that certain lower-level offenses in Maryland don’t carry significant punishment. This is simply not true, as many nonviolent offenses are still punishable with jail time, fines or probation. Even if those convicted manage to avoid going to jail, they may have to deal with damage done to their personal and professional reputations. Someone facing charges related to theft and property crimes will need to carefully weigh their options for criminal defense, like one woman recently accused of breaking into vehicles may need to do.
Authorities say that a witness called local police after receiving a security alert that someone was on the property and hearing a car alarm go off. When police responded, they claim they found a woman in the area using a flashlight and entering a vehicle. The responding officer says when the woman got out of the vehicle, she was carrying a bag that she allegedly dropped when the officer tried to confront her. The police say that the bag contained items that belonged to area residents.
Police arrested the woman, charging her with multiple counts of theft as well as engaging in a theft scheme. They also say they have reason to believe she was involved in another vehicle burglary just a couple of weeks prior to this incident. They have appealed to the public for any video evidence that might assist the authorities with their investigation of the incident.
Though this woman is not accused of stealing a large amount of property, she could still be facing a jail sentence if she is convicted. Those in a similar situation may also have difficulty obtaining future employment or securing a loan even after they have served a jail sentence. This is why it is crucial for anyone accused of theft and property crimes to secure a skilled criminal defense attorney here in Maryland. It may give an accused person the best chance at fair treatment by the criminal justice system.