Theft Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — Protecting Your Rights and Future
A theft charge in Montgomery County, Maryland, is a serious matter that can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, theft is classified based on the value of the property, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. As a dedicated theft defense lawyer Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Understanding Maryland Theft Laws
Theft, often referred to as larceny, is governed by Maryland’s Criminal Law Article. The specific charges and penalties you face depend heavily on the alleged value of the property involved. A larceny defense lawyer Montgomery County must handle these classifications carefully. 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 but carries up to 6 months in jail. When the value is between $1,500 and $25,000, the charge becomes a felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Theft over $25,000 is a more serious felony. The official Maryland theft statutes can be reviewed on the Maryland General Assembly website.
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 located at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. This court handles all misdemeanor theft trials and initial appearances for felony theft cases. The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes these charges. An experienced stealing charge defense lawyer Montgomery County knows that prosecutors here frequently consider dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for eligible first-time offenders, which avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- 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 not guilty, 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, PBJ, or reduced charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or be sent to Circuit Court for a jury trial (felony).
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. If granted PBJ, you will be placed on probation instead of receiving a conviction.
- Expungement: After a waiting period (3 years for PBJ), you may be eligible to have the record expunged.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, MD, theft penalties escalate based on the value of the property, ranging from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 5 years in prison for felony theft.
| Offense (By Value) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Record Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal Conviction |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | Criminal Conviction |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Conviction |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Conviction |
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 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Montgomery County, we have a record of achieving positive results for clients facing theft and other criminal charges. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of local court procedures and prosecutor tendencies.
Our team includes Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which provides a unique advantage in theft cases involving financial evidence.
Documented Case Results
Our attorneys have secured favorable outcomes in numerous criminal cases. While every case is unique, our strategies are designed to protect our clients’ rights and futures. We have achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Theft Defense Representation
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Montgomery County. We are familiar with the local courts and procedures at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County in Rockville. Our office is accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
We serve clients in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Contact a theft defense lawyer Montgomery County today:
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Charges in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a theft charge in Montgomery County?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you complete probation successfully, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. PBJ is available for most misdemeanor thefts and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Can a theft charge be expunged from my record in Montgomery County?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), Stet dockets, and PBJ dispositions after a 3-year waiting period. Some non-violent theft convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. A lawyer can review your specific case to determine eligibility.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Montgomery County?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft carries penalties of up to 6 months in jail and creates a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. An attorney can negotiate for a PBJ to avoid a conviction or seek a dismissal based on the evidence.
What happens after an arrest for theft in Montgomery County?
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your case will then proceed to arraignment and either a trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court (felony).
What’s the difference between theft and robbery in Maryland?
Theft (larceny) involves taking property without the use of force or threat. Robbery is theft accomplished through force, intimidation, or by putting the victim in fear. Robbery is a much more serious felony with significantly higher penalties. A skilled larceny defense lawyer Montgomery County can analyze the facts to challenge the prosecution’s classification of the crime.
For more information on court procedures, visit the District Court of Maryland’s Montgomery County directory.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, explore our pages for a Montgomery County DUI lawyer or a Montgomery County family law attorney.
Other Locations: We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County.
Learn More: For a broader overview of our criminal defense practice, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a case-specific consultation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.