Under Maryland law, false imprisonment is generally defined as unlawfully detaining another person against his or her will. This generally means that the shoplifter cannot claim false imprisonment and file charges against the store owner.False imprisonment occurs when a person intentionally and illegally restrains another person's ability to move freely. Depending on the value of the thing stolen, your potential punishment could be up to 90 days or up to 15 years in prison. Maryland Theft charges and punishments vary greatly. Fill out the online form or call (410) 774-5987 to schedule a free consultation. We have two offices in Maryland to serve you. Maryland does not use terms like petty theft or grand theft. Fill out the online form or call (410) 774-5987 to schedule a free consultation. We have two offices in Maryland to serve you.