Theft Defense Lawyer Charles County — What Are Your Options?
A theft charge in Charles County, Maryland, is a serious matter prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. Penalties range from 90 days for petty theft to 20 years for felony theft over $100,000. As a theft defense lawyer Charles County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense strategy.
Maryland Theft Law and Penalties
Theft in Maryland, often called larceny, is defined in Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The law prohibits knowingly obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property and the circumstances.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our background provides a distinct advantage in building a defense.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statutes, visit the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court-specific procedures in Charles County, refer to the District Court of MD for Charles County website.
Charles County Court Process for Theft Charges
In Charles County, all misdemeanor theft cases are handled at the District Court at 200 Charles Street in La Plata. Felony theft cases begin there but move to Circuit Court for trial. The State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). PBJ is a disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, which avoids a formal conviction on your record if completed successfully.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include jail, fines, and restitution. PBJ involves a period of probation instead of a conviction.
- Expungement: If eligible (e.g., after a PBJ waiting period, acquittal, or dismissal), you can petition to have the record expunged.
Theft Penalties in Charles County, Maryland
In Charles County, theft penalties are determined by the value of the property and prior record, ranging from a civil citation to 20 years in prison.
| Offense / Value | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Civil citation possible |
| Theft $100 to under $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500 to under $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony record, restitution |
| Theft $25,000 to under $100,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony record, restitution |
| Theft $100,000 or more | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Theft Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the other side builds a case. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 documented case results. This experience is directly applicable to defending theft and larceny charges in Charles County.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a high rate of favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements. While specific results in Charles County are part of our broader practice, our approach is consistent: we analyze police reports, challenge evidence, and negotiate aggressively. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Theft Defense Representation in Charles County
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges in Charles County. We are accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, and Route 5. If you need a theft defense lawyer Charles County or a larceny defense lawyer Charles County near the Waldorf shopping area or La Plata town center, we can help.
Service Area: La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, Hughesville.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Charges in Charles County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Charles County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Charles County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. Eligibility depends on the disposition and the specific offense.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Charles County?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanor theft carries significant penalties—theft of $100-$1,500 can result in up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Charles County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without representation.
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
In Maryland, the term “theft” under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 includes the old common-law crimes of larceny, embezzlement, and false pretenses. When searching for a larceny defense lawyer Charles County, you are looking for a theft defense attorney. The penalties are the same.
What happens after a theft arrest in Charles County?
After arrest in Charles County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanor theft is tried at the District Court. Felony theft goes to Charles County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing.
Related Legal Information
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Charles County DUI Lawyer or Charles County Family Lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.