Burglary Cases in Ellicott City Cause Police to Detain Suspect
Burglary charges were filed against 23-year-old Cornelius Antonio McRae, a Baltimore resident, in January, reported The Baltimore Sun. Howard County police arrested and charged McRae with multiple counts of burglary, assault and theft. Police identified him as a burglary suspect through records obtained from pawn shops in the area.

Howard County Police believe that most of the thefts occurred while the victims were sleeping and that McRae entered the homes through unlocked doors. The items stolen in the various burglaries, mostly occurring in December, 2012, were similar — credit cards, money, wallets, purses and electronic devices, including laptops.

Burglary Charges Filed Against Baltimore Man

Once police considered McRae a burglary suspect, they learned through the course of their investigation that he had been seen driving a stolen 2013 Honda. On-duty officers observed the unoccupied Honda in Columbia on January 6, near the location of a burglary that had just occurred. As they watched the vehicle, McRae walked up to it with a stolen purse in hand. Police approached McRae and he fled. Officers located him in a nearby dumpster with stolen items in his possession.

McRae has been charged with four counts of first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary and fourth-degree burglary, as well as theft and second-degree assault (he resisted arrest and injured a police officer in the process). He is currently being held on $300,000 bond in Howard County.

Burglary Statistics

FBI statistics reveal that there are approximately 2.1 million burglaries in the United States annually. About 75% of those are residential burglaries. Burglaries account for one quarter of all property crimes. There were 1,393 burglaries in Howard County in 2010, according to the Howard County Police Department.

What is Burglary in the First Degree in Maryland?

Under Maryland law,  a person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. This is the definition of first degree burglary. The penalty for first degree burglary is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

What is Second Degree Burglary in Maryland?

There are two different violations that constitute second degree burglary. First, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree. If he does, he is guilty of a felony and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 15 years. Second,  a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm. This also is a felony, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of trial experience to criminal defendants in and around Howard County, Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

• Maryland Super Lawyer.
• “10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
• “AV-Preeminent™*” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).
• “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
• 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Attorney Smith handles a wide range of criminal matters including theft offenses, such as burglary, robbery and possession of stolen property.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, MD

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with a crime, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of burglary and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.