An out-of-state woman was handed down a sentence in Baltimore County for allegedly taking money from a client at the insurance company she had once been employed with. She was said to have been found guilty of one count of felony theft. She was given a two-year suspended sentence and two more years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $826.58 in restitution.
It is claimed that the woman pocketed premiums collected rather than forwarding the money on to the insurance company. At some point the client was said to have discovered he was uninsured, and at that point he informed the owner of a Maryland insurance agency.
It's difficult to know by the set of facts that we have been provided as to why the sentence was suspended. The outcome of any matter tried in criminal court will be dependent upon individual circumstances. The length of a sentence when accused of a theft can be based upon the value of property allegedly stolen. There are often a number of deals that are worked out when it comes to these types of charges as well.
In any case, it's generally a good idea to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney at one's earliest possible convenience after an arrest has taken place. These attorneys can examine the circumstances of what occurred and determine if there was anything improper about the arrest. Attorneys can also question the reliability of evidence or witness testimony that led up to an arrest. Finally, attorneys can help the client tell their own story to the court to make certain that all relevant considerations are taken into account.
Source: Insurance & Financial Advisor, "Former Virginia agent sentenced for premium theft in Maryland," Oct. 7, 2013