Theft Defense Lawyer Maryland — Protecting Your Rights and Future
A theft charge in Maryland can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Theft is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, with penalties based on the value of the property. As a theft defense lawyer Maryland, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has documented results defending clients against larceny and stealing charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
In Maryland, theft is not a single offense but a range of charges based on the circumstances and value of the property involved. The primary statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, defines the unlawful taking or control over property with the intent to deprive the owner. The classification and penalties escalate with the value. For example, theft of property valued under $100 is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail. Theft between $100 and $1,500 is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail. When the value is between $1,500 and $25,000, the charge becomes a felony with a potential sentence of up to 5 years in prison. Theft over $25,000 can result in up to 10 years of incarceration. Beyond jail time, a conviction can lead to substantial fines, court costs, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licenses.
In Montgomery County, a theft charge carries penalties ranging from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 10 years in prison for felony theft over $25,000, plus fines and a permanent record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution, court costs |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Professional licenses at risk | Felony record, significant restitution, probation |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Professional licenses at risk | Felony record, substantial restitution, long-term probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges in Montgomery County
If you are charged with theft in Montgomery County, your case will begin at the District Court of Maryland located at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. For misdemeanor theft charges (under $1,500), the entire case—from arraignment to trial—will be handled in District Court. For felony theft charges ($1,500 and above), the case starts with an initial appearance in District Court, where a commissioner will set bail, and then proceeds to a preliminary hearing. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is forwarded to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for a felony jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases. A critical tool for a theft defense lawyer Maryland is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). A successful PBJ disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record, which is vital for future employment and housing. Other common resolutions include a Nolle Prosequi (the prosecutor drops the charges) or a Stet (the case is placed on an inactive docket).
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a court commissioner who informs you of the charges and sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You appear in District Court, enter a plea of not guilty, and receive your trial date. For felonies, a preliminary hearing date is also set.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal.
- Resolution or Trial: The case is resolved through a plea agreement (like PBJ) or proceeds to a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Lawyers in Maryland
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a theft charge is more than a legal problem—it’s a threat to your livelihood and reputation. Our approach is direct and focused on achieving the best possible result, whether that is a dismissal, a reduction in charges, or a favorable plea agreement like PBJ. We serve clients across Maryland, including Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Frederick Counties.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our commitment to clients is demonstrated through our results. In Montgomery County alone, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. For a stealing charge defense lawyer Maryland, favorable outcomes often mean charges dismissed (Nolle Prosequi), amended to a lesser offense, or resolved through Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a conviction. In one case, our team, led by Mr. Sris, successfully defended a client facing felony theft charges, resulting in the charges being dropped before trial. We apply this diligent, strategic approach to every case we handle.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Theft Defense Lawyer Maryland Near You
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County and the surrounding region. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). If you need a theft defense lawyer Maryland near Rockville Town Square or the Montgomery County Government Center, we are here to help. We serve neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Defense in Maryland
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
In Maryland, “larceny” is an older common-law term largely incorporated into the modern statutory crime of “theft.” The Maryland Code now uses “theft” to cover the unlawful taking of property with intent to deprive the owner. A larceny defense lawyer Maryland handles cases under the current theft statutes.
Can a theft charge be expunged from my record in Maryland?
It depends. Acquittals, dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), and Stet dispositions are eligible for expungement. A Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for theft can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period. Some non-violent theft convictions may also be expunged under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act. An attorney can review your specific case.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Montgomery County?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft carries up to 6 months in jail and a permanent record. An attorney at the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal. Our firm has 21 documented results in the county with a 95% favorable outcome rate.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a theft charge?
PBJ is a disposition where the court finds you guilty but suspends entry of a judgment. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. It is a critical goal for a stealing charge defense lawyer Maryland, especially for first-time offenders.
What should I do if I am arrested for theft in Maryland?
Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with police. Contact a theft defense lawyer Maryland as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your defense. Call our 24/7 line at (888) 437-7747.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing theft charges, you may also want to learn about Maryland criminal defense. For charges in neighboring areas, see our pages for a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George’s County and a criminal defense lawyer in Howard County. For other legal issues in Montgomery County, consider a DUI/DWI lawyer in Montgomery County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.