Please help! What is petty theft?

[klb444]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania
My son was vacationing in Ocean City Maryland two weeks ago and walked out of a restaurant with the plastic mug he was served soda in. The owner called the police and he was charged with petty theft for a mug worth less than $5.00. My son apologized to the owner, said it was a mistake, and returned the mug. I am a wreck since he is planning to attend college next month to become a pharmacist. Will this be on his record?

 

[JETX]

The owner called the police and he was charged with petty theft for a mug worth less than $5.00.

What was the EXACT charge?? I ask because a cursory review of the Maryland theft charges only shows amounts and misdemeanor or felony. It doesn't show a charge of 'petty theft'.
http://198.187.128.12/maryland/lpex...16695/16700?fn=document-frame.htm&f=templates

Will this be on his record?

If he is charged and found guilty, yes.

 

[klb444]

You are correct--the citation does NOT say petty theft, I guess that was my interpretation. The citation just says he stole a plastic tumbler from the establishment valued at less than $500. Should we get a lawyer?

 

[JETX]

You are correct--the citation does NOT say petty theft, I guess that was my interpretation. The citation just says he stole a plastic tumbler from the establishment valued at less than $500. Should we get a lawyer?

Based on your post, yes.
Reason: You say he was charged with 'theft less than $500' for a cup that was priced at $5.
Why didn't they charge for the even lesser offense of:
"(g) Penalty.-
(1) A person convicted of theft of property or services with a value of $500 or more is guilty of a felony and:
(i) is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 15 years or a fine not exceeding $25,000 or both; and
(ii) shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services.

(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, a person convicted of theft of property or services with a value of less than $500, is guilty of a misdemeanor and:
(i) is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both; and
(ii) shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services.

(3) A person convicted of theft of property or services with a value of less than $100 is guilty of a misdemeanor and:
(i) is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both; and
(ii) shall restore the property taken to the owner or pay the owner the value of the property or services."

Also, I recommend proper legal representation for ANYONE facing any criminal charge.

 

[klb444]

Thank you for your reply. So you are saying the charge should have indicated the value of the stolen property as less than $100?