Theft Defense Lawyer Baltimore — What Are Your Legal Options?
Theft charges in Baltimore are prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 25 years. A theft defense lawyer Baltimore from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the State’s evidence, negotiate for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), or seek dismissal. Our firm has documented results in Baltimore County courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
Theft in Maryland is defined 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. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail. Theft between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail. Theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony carrying up to 5 years in prison. Theft over $25,000 is a felony with a penalty of up to 10 years. Aggravated factors, like theft from a vulnerable adult, can increase penalties to up to 25 years.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official Maryland theft statute, see the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. Court information for Baltimore County can be found at the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County website.
Defending Theft Charges in Baltimore County
In Baltimore County, the State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes theft cases at the District Court in Towson for misdemeanors and the Circuit Court for felonies. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220. A PBJ disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Prosecutors often consider PBJ for first-time offenders, making early intervention by a skilled stealing charge defense lawyer Baltimore critical.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the State and investigate the facts, including witness statements and surveillance footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss the case for lack of probable cause.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Expungement: If convicted, your lawyer will argue for minimal penalties. If the case is dismissed or you receive PBJ, you may be eligible for expungement after the waiting period.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Baltimore
In Baltimore, theft charges carry penalties based on the property’s value, from 90 days for petty theft to 25 years for aggravated theft.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record; restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record; restitution |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record; restitution |
| Theft from Vulnerable Adult | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Enhanced felony penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have handled over 4,739 documented case results with a firm-wide favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of Maryland criminal procedure and local court practices. Mr. Sris, with his background in accounting and information systems, provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence or complex theft allegations.
Case Results in Baltimore County
Our firm actively practices in Baltimore County. While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and PBJ dispositions in theft and related cases. For instance, our team has successfully argued for PBJ in cases where the intent to permanently deprive was not proven, skilled to no conviction on the client’s record. A secondary attorney on our team, Mr. Sris, brings his former prosecutor experience and multi-state practice to support complex defense strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near Baltimore County
Our Maryland location serves clients at Baltimore County courts, including the District Court in Towson at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue. We represent individuals in Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. 24/7 phone consultations are available.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore County – Towson. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my theft record expunged in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period). Qualifying non-violent theft convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Baltimore County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Baltimore County?
Yes. Theft between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at the District Court in Towson can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
What happens after a theft arrest in Baltimore County?
After arrest: (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 in Towson. Felony theft goes to Baltimore County Circuit Court.
What is the difference between petty theft and grand theft in Maryland?
The difference is based on value. Theft under $1,500 is generally a misdemeanor (petty theft). Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony (grand theft). However, theft under $100 is a separate misdemeanor with a maximum 90-day sentence.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related services like DUI defense in Baltimore. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.