Overview of Maryland’s Theft Statute
Maryland’s Criminal Law § 7-104 defines theft as knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over someone else’s property, with the intent to deprive the owner of it. This broad statute covers multiple theft-related acts, including:
- Taking physical property (shoplifting, employee theft, vehicle theft, etc.)
- Using deception or fraud to gain possession
- Failing to return rental property or misusing property entrusted for a limited purpose
- Possessing stolen property with knowledge it was unlawfully acquired
Charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the value of the property stolen. Convictions may result in jail time, restitution orders, fines, and a criminal record.
Why This Law Matters to Private Investigators
Theft cases are one of the most common reasons individuals and businesses hire AIP Investigations. Whether it’s suspected employee embezzlement, fraud in a partnership, or even family-related disputes involving stolen property, our role is to uncover evidence while strictly following the law.
We’ve worked cases involving:
- Falsified receipts and fraudulent bookkeeping
- Misappropriated business equipment
- Theft of intellectual property or confidential client lists
- Hidden assets in divorce and estate disputes
Our Process
At AIP, our team uses surveillance, forensic document review, covert interviews, and careful background research to help clients determine what was taken, who took it, and how it was concealed. We then compile our findings in detailed reports that are ready for attorneys or law enforcement.
We do not accuse — we document facts. Our goal is to provide clarity, and if appropriate, support civil recovery or criminal prosecution.
Let’s Recover What’s Yours
Theft can be personal, financial, or reputational — and it’s always damaging. If you suspect you’re being stolen from or defrauded, don’t guess. Let us help you gather the truth.
📞 Suspect theft near you in Hagerstown or the surrounding Washington County area? Let AIP Investigations get to the bottom of it.
