Theft Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Options?
Theft charges in Prince George’s County are serious, with penalties ranging from 90 days for theft under $100 to 5 years for felony theft under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. A theft defense lawyer Prince Georges County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the State’s evidence and seek dismissal or Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
Maryland Theft Law and Penalties
Maryland law defines theft as the 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. The statute governing theft is Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statutes, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website. Court procedures and forms for Prince George’s County can be found on the Maryland Courts website for the Fifth District.
Defending Theft Charges in Prince George’s County Court
Prince George’s County District Court handles all misdemeanor theft trials. Prosecutors must prove you knowingly took property without the owner’s consent. A common defense is arguing a lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner, such as in cases of mistaken belief or intent to return. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County often offers PBJ for first-time offenders, which avoids a formal conviction if probation is completed successfully.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, a District Court commissioner sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge in District Court.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge imposes sentence. If granted PBJ, you serve probation without a conviction.
- Expungement: After a 3-year waiting period, a PBJ disposition may be eligible for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Maryland
In Prince George’s County, theft penalties are based on property value: under $100 is up to 90 days, $100-$1,500 is a misdemeanor up to 6 months, and $1,500-$25,000 is a felony up to 5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Record Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal Record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | Criminal Record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Record |
| Theft $25,000-$100,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Theft Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has a documented record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how theft cases are built and can identify weaknesses in the State’s evidence. For a larceny defense lawyer Prince George’s County, our knowledge of local court procedures is a key asset.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in Prince George’s County. While specific local results are proprietary, our firm-wide track record includes thousands of favorable resolutions in theft and larceny cases. We work to achieve outcomes such as dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), charges placed on the inactive docket (Stet), Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), and reduced charges. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every client benefits from deep legal experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near Prince George’s County
Our Maryland location serves clients in Prince George’s County. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and Route 4, near landmarks like FedExField and National Harbor. We serve communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my theft record expunged in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. Eligibility hinges on the final disposition and the nature of the offense.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Prince George’s County?
Yes. Theft of $100-$1,500 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to secure without legal representation.
What should I look for in a stealing charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County?
Look for an attorney with direct experience in Prince George’s County District Court, knowledge of local prosecutors’ tendencies, and a proven strategy for theft defenses such as lack of intent or mistaken identity. A lawyer who understands PBJ and expungement procedures is also crucial.
What happens after a theft arrest in Prince George’s County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if detained. Your case then proceeds to arraignment and either a pre-trial resolution or a trial at the District Court for misdemeanors.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Howard County. If you are facing other charges, explore our services as a DUI lawyer in Prince George’s County or a family law attorney in Prince George’s County.
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.