Theft
17-A M.R.S. § 353 — a Class E crime, rising with the value: over $500, $1,000 and $10,000
Obtaining or exercising unauthorized control over another's property, meaning to deprive them of it, is theft. So is receiving, keeping or disposing of property known or believed to be stolen.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
| Value or circumstance | Class |
|---|---|
| Value or circumstance$500 or less | ClassClass E |
| Value or circumstanceMore than $500, up to $1,000 | ClassClass D |
| Value or circumstanceMore than $1,000, up to $10,000 | ClassClass C |
| Value or circumstance2 or more prior theft, burglary or robbery convictions | ClassClass C |
| Value or circumstanceMore than $10,000, a firearm or explosive, or armed with a dangerous weapon | ClassClass B |
Sources for this section (2)
- 17-A M.R.S. § 353 — Theft by unauthorized taking or transfer
- 17-A M.R.S. § 359 — Receiving stolen property
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.