Maine criminal charge
Theft by deception in Maine
Theft by deception is a criminal offense under Maine law, defined by 17-A M.R.S. § 354. Its classification is not fixed: Maine assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by 17-A M.R.S. § 354.
What is the penalty for theft by deception in Maine?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Theft by deception (base offense) — A person obtains or exercises control over property of another as a result of deception with intent to deprive, which is a Class E crime unless enhanced under paragraph B.; statutory default maximum (17-A M.R.S. §1604(1)(E)); individual statutes may specify a different maximum) | discretionary | 17-A M.R.S. § 1604 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Theft by deception (base offense) — A person obtains or exercises control over property of another as a result of deception with intent to deprive, which is a Class E crime unless enhanced under paragraph B.; maximum for an individual (17-A M.R.S. §1704(5)); organizations up to $10,000 (§1705); statute-specific fines may differ) | discretionary | 17-A M.R.S. § 1604 |
Applies to current (PL 2019, c. 113 recodification).
How is theft by deception classified in Maine?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft by deception (base offense) | Class E Crime | A person obtains or exercises control over property of another as a result of deception with intent to deprive, which is a Class E crime unless enhanced under paragraph B. | 17-A M.R.S. § 354(1)(A) |
Common questions about theft by deception in Maine
What class of crime is theft by deception in Maine?
What are the penalties for theft by deception in Maine?
Penalties for theft by deception in Maine depend on how it is classified — from a Class E Crime up to a Class E Crime — with the ranges set by 17-A M.R.S. § 1604; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Maine statute covers theft by deception?
Theft by deception is governed by 17-A M.R.S. § 354 (Theft by deception).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.