Theft Felony Threshold In Maine: Understanding The Law

what amount of theft constitutes a felony in maine

Theft in Maine is defined as obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of the property. Theft crimes are categorized by class, with the value of the stolen item, the intent of the perpetrator, and the method by which the crime was committed determining the category. Theft of property valued at $10,000 or more, or the theft of a firearm or explosive device, constitutes a Class B felony, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Characteristics Values
Theft definition Obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of the property
Theft classification Class E, Class D, Class C, Class B, Class A
Factors determining classification Value of the stolen item, intent of the perpetrator, method by which the crime was committed
Class E theft Property valued at $500 or less
Class E penalty Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
Class D theft Property valued between $500-$1,000
Class D penalty Up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000
Class C theft Property valued between $1,000-$10,000
Class C penalty Up to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000
Class B theft Property valued over $10,000 or a firearm
Class B penalty Up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $20,000
Class A theft Robbery with a weapon or causing bodily harm during a robbery, with or without a weapon
Class A penalty Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000
Felony theft Petty crime with two or more theft-related convictions, property worth more than $10,000, or a firearm or explosive involved

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Theft of property valued at $500 or less is a Class E crime

Theft in Maine is classified according to the dollar value of the stolen property or services involved. Theft of property valued at $500 or less is a Class E crime. This classification is the lowest level of theft, covering what is often referred to as petty theft.

In Maine, Class E theft is a misdemeanour-level offence. A conviction for this type of theft can result in a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. The fine may be higher than the typical maximum if the judge orders the defendant to pay up to two times the amount gained from the offence.

Theft in Maine is defined as "obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of the property." This means that theft involves taking something that is not yours, whether through an unauthorized taking or transfer, or by deception. The property in question can be tangible or intangible personal property, real estate, utilities (like gas and water), lost or mislaid property, and services.

Theft crimes in Maine can result in serious penalties, and a conviction can have long-lasting consequences. Even a misdemeanour charge will remain on your record and may affect your ability to find work or suitable housing. Given the severity of the potential consequences, it is important to hire a skilled criminal defence attorney if you are facing theft charges.

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Theft of property valued between $500-$1,000 is a Class D crime

Theft in Maine is defined as "obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of the property." This definition covers a broad range of illegal conduct, including theft of property or services, receiving stolen property, and shoplifting.

Theft of property valued between $500 and $1,000 is a Class D crime in Maine. This is a misdemeanor-level offense, which carries less severe penalties than felony-level crimes. However, even a misdemeanor charge can have serious consequences, impacting future employment, housing opportunities, and financial loans, as Maine does not expunge criminal records.

For a Class D theft conviction, the potential penalties include up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. It is important to note that the fine could be higher, as Maine law allows a judge to order the defendant to pay up to twice the amount gained from the offense.

The classification of theft charges in Maine is primarily determined by the value of the stolen property. Petty theft, which covers property valued under $500, is typically charged as a Class E crime, while theft of property valued between $500 and $1,000 falls into the Class D category. When the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000, the charges and penalties become more severe, with Class C theft ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 in value, and Class B theft for property valued above $10,000.

Additionally, certain factors can elevate a theft charge to a felony-level offense, regardless of the dollar value involved. For instance, if the stolen property is a firearm or explosive device, or if a weapon is used during the commission of the theft, it automatically becomes a felony. Furthermore, prior convictions for theft-related offenses can also influence the severity of the charge and the resulting penalties.

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Theft of property valued between $1,000-$10,000 is a Class C crime

Theft is a serious matter with serious consequences in Maine. Theft is defined as "obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of the property." Theft can occur through an unauthorized taking or transfer, or by deception. This includes tangible or intangible personal property, real estate, utilities (like gas and water), lost or mislaid property, and services.

Theft of property valued between $1,000 and $10,000 is a Class C felony in Maine. This can result in up to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. It is important to note that the fine could be higher, as Maine law provides that a judge may order the defendant to pay a fine of up to twice the amount gained from the offense.

Theft crimes in Maine are categorized by class, ranging from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. The value of the stolen item, the intent of the perpetrator, and the method by which the crime was committed determine the category of the theft crime. Class D and E crimes are misdemeanors, while Class A, B, and C crimes are felonies. A conviction of theft at any level can result in incarceration, substantial fines, and other consequences such as difficulty finding employment or housing due to having a criminal record.

It is important to understand the specific laws and penalties associated with theft in Maine, as they can have significant impacts on an individual's life. An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide guidance and representation in theft cases, helping to navigate the complex legal system and protect one's rights.

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Theft of property valued at over $10,000 is a Class B felony

Theft is a serious crime in Maine, and the state's laws cover a broad range of illegal conduct, including theft of property or services, receiving stolen property, and shoplifting. Theft is defined as "obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of the property". This definition includes tangible or intangible personal property, real estate, utilities, lost or mislaid property, and services.

It is important to note that the value of the stolen item is not the only factor considered in determining the penalty. The intent of the perpetrator and the method by which the crime was committed also play a role in the categorization of the theft crime. Additionally, prior convictions for theft-related offenses can result in enhanced penalties.

A criminal conviction for theft can have serious consequences beyond incarceration and fines. Even a misdemeanor charge can impact future employment, housing opportunities, and financial loans, as Maine does not expunge criminal records. A felony conviction carries even more significant repercussions, including the potential loss of professional licenses and government benefits.

Given the severity of the penalties and the potential impact on an individual's life, it is crucial for anyone facing theft charges in Maine to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney.

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Retail theft involving two or more individuals can be charged as a felony

In Maine, theft crimes are categorized by class, with the value of the stolen item, the intent of the perpetrator, and the method by which the crime was committed determining the category of the theft crime. Retail theft, also known as shoplifting, carries the same theft penalties as other forms of theft.

However, retail theft involving two or more individuals can be charged as a felony, regardless of the dollar value of the stolen goods. This is considered "organized retail theft" and involves a common plan or organization with the intent to sell the stolen merchandise or seek fraudulent returns. A conviction for organized retail theft can result in a Class C felony charge, which carries more severe penalties than lower-class crimes.

In addition to criminal penalties, those convicted of retail theft may also face civil liability, requiring them to pay damages to the store owner, such as the retail price of the merchandise if it is not returned in sellable condition.

It is important to note that a criminal conviction for theft in Maine can have serious consequences, including incarceration, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that may impact future opportunities. Maine does not expunge criminal records, so a theft conviction may affect employment, housing, and financial loans.

Frequently asked questions

In Maine, theft is classified as a felony when the stolen property is valued at over $10,000. This is classified as a Class B felony, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Yes, theft of a firearm or explosive device is also considered a felony, regardless of the value of the item.

Theft in Maine is defined as "obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the other person of the property." This includes tangible or intangible personal property, real estate, utilities, lost or mislaid property, and services.

A felony conviction for theft in Maine can have serious consequences, including incarceration, substantial fines, and a criminal record. It may also impact the ability to obtain loans, maintain professional licenses, or receive government benefits or contracts.

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