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HB 760

Criminal Law - Misdemeanor Theft - Statute of Limitations

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Conaway

HB 760 adjusts Maryland's misdemeanor theft prosecution timeframe, affecting when charges must be filed against accused thieves.

Hearing 2/17 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 760

Legislative bill overview

HB 760 modifies Maryland's criminal law regarding misdemeanor theft by adjusting the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses. The bill changes the timeframe within which prosecutors must bring charges for misdemeanor theft cases. This adjustment affects how long law enforcement and prosecutors have to initiate legal proceedings after a theft occurs.

Why is this important

Statutes of limitations directly impact victims' access to justice and the state's ability to prosecute crimes. Changing these timelines affects public safety priorities, prosecutorial workload, and defendants' rights to speedy resolution. The modification could either expand opportunities for prosecution or provide additional protections to defendants depending on which direction the change moves.

Potential points of contention

  • Prosecution vs. Due Process: Longer statutes of limitations help prosecutors but may disadvantage defendants whose memories fade and evidence deteriorates, while shorter limits may allow guilty parties to escape justice through delay
  • Victim Impact: Victims may face extended uncertainty about prosecution, or conversely, may lose the opportunity for justice if limitations are shortened
  • Law Enforcement Resource Allocation: Changes may affect how police departments prioritize investigations and case closure, particularly for lower-value theft cases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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