Theft Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Theft charges in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, are serious and can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, theft is classified based on the value of the property involved. As a dedicated theft defense lawyer St Marys County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Theft Law and Penalties
Theft, often referred to as larceny, is defined under Maryland law as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The severity of the charge depends primarily on the value of the property alleged to have been stolen.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of how theft cases are investigated and prosecuted in Southern Maryland.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Maryland theft statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 (official Maryland General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County website.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges in St. Mary’s County
Most misdemeanor theft cases are heard at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County in Leonardtown. Felony theft cases begin there but are transferred to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for trial. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. A critical local procedural fact is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which can avoid a formal conviction on your record for eligible theft offenses.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your defense attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal.
- Disposition: The case is resolved through a plea agreement, PBJ, dismissal, or proceeds to a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing or Expungement: If convicted, sentencing occurs. If the case is dismissed or you receive a PBJ, you may later be eligible for expungement.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, theft penalties range from a civil citation to 25 years in prison, depending on the value of the property and the specific circumstances of the alleged offense.
| Offense | 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 25 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. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our Maryland team includes former prosecutors who understand the strategies used by the State’s Attorney’s office. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, maintains a selective caseload to provide direct oversight on complex cases.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in theft and related cases. For example, we have secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in cases involving serious allegations. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic direction on complex theft defense matters, ensuring every client benefits from decades of high-level legal experience.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Theft Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. We are accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
In Maryland, “theft” is the statutory term that includes the common-law crime of larceny. The Maryland theft statute (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 7-104) defines various unauthorized acts over property. A larceny defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can explain how the specific facts of your case fit within this law.
Can I get a theft charge expunged in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Expungement is available for theft cases that resulted in an acquittal, dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or Probation Before Judgment (after a 3-year waiting period). Some non-violent theft convictions may also be eligible under Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act. The petition is filed in the court where the case was heard.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a theft charge?
PBJ is a disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. PBJ is available for most misdemeanor thefts and many felonies in St. Mary’s County District Court and can be a critical goal in your defense.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft under $1,500 carries up to 6 months in jail and a permanent record. A skilled stealing charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can negotiate for a PBJ or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
What should I do if I am accused of theft?
First, do not speak to store security, loss prevention, or police without an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with a lawyer. Then, contact a theft defense lawyer St Marys County immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing theft charges, you may also need information on Maryland criminal defense. For representation in nearby areas, see our Anne Arundel County criminal defense lawyer page. For other legal issues in St. Mary’s County, consider our St. Mary’s County DUI lawyer services.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your theft defense in St. Mary’s County.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.