The economic downturn has been difficult for many, hard on some, and brutal on a few. Loss of a job or a home, or simply the threat of losing either one, can be scary, but can also drive people to making serious errors in judgment, such as theft.

The crime of theft, fraud, or shoplifting is considered a crime of "moral turpitude." This is used to describe conduct that is contrary to community standards of honesty, justice, or good morals. It's more an embarrassing situation than some other crimes. Were you arrested and marched out of the mall in handcuffs after getting caught shoplifting? Did anyone you know see you? Reputation goes a long way in the community and can affect more than just what your neighbors think of you. How will your employer react when he or she finds out? It might depend on the type of theft, which depends on the value of the goods that were allegedly stolen.

In Maryland, including Anne Arundel County, the penalties for theft are:

• Value of the goods is less than $100 is considered a misdemeanor, and is a maximum 90 days in jail, and/or a $500 fine
• Value of the goods is less than $500, but greater than $100, the maximum is 18 months in jail and/or a $500 fine
• A felony theft occurs if the value of the goods exceeds $500. The maximum penalty for this is 15 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine

An experienced criminal defense attorney is the best solution for beating the charges or having the charges reduced. If you are a first time offender, you may be put on probation or ordered to take a diversion program. Even if this is not your first time being charged with theft, an attorney can see to it that your sentence is reduced and that you are treated fairly in a court of law. If your attorney can raise reasonable doubt, you may even have the charges dropped.