Theft Defense Lawyer Washington County — What Are Your Options?
A theft charge in Washington County, Maryland, is a serious matter prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. Penalties range from 90 days to 20 years based on value and circumstances. As a theft defense lawyer Washington County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense for charges of larceny, shoplifting, and embezzlement.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Theft Law & Penalties
Theft in Maryland is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The law consolidates various former offenses like larceny, embezzlement, and false pretenses into a single theft statute. The severity of the charge depends primarily on the value of the property or services involved.
In Washington County, theft charges can be a misdemeanor or felony, carrying penalties from 90 days in jail to 20 years in prison, plus fines and restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100 to under $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $1,500 to under $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Theft $25,000 to under $100,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Theft $100,000 or more | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Washington County Theft Defense Strategy
Every theft case requires a case-specific approach. A larceny defense lawyer Washington County from our firm will examine the evidence for weaknesses. Common defenses include lack of intent to permanently deprive, mistaken identity, claim of right (believing the property was yours), or insufficient evidence of value. In Washington County District Court, prosecutors often have heavy caseloads. An experienced attorney can negotiate for a favorable disposition, such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction if probation is completed successfully.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A lawyer can argue for personal recognizance or lower bail.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged in District Court. Your attorney enters a plea and requests discovery from the State’s Attorney.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence if rights were violated 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 in District Court (misdemeanor) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, your attorney advocates for minimal penalties. If granted PBJ, you complete probation without a conviction.
- Expungement: After a waiting period (3 years for PBJ), your attorney can petition the court to expunge the case from public records.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a firm-wide favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the local procedures at the District Court of MD for Washington County. Our approach is direct: we analyze the evidence, identify the best defense strategy, and work toward a resolution that protects your future.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm provides strong representation for theft allegations. While every case is unique, our goal is always to seek the best possible outcome, whether that is a dismissal, reduction in charges, or alternative disposition like PBJ.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex theft cases involving financial evidence or business records.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near Washington County, MD
Our Maryland office represents clients facing theft charges at the District Court of MD for Washington County in Hagerstown. We serve communities throughout the county, including Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
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.
Washington County Theft Defense FAQs
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my theft record expunged in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft in Maryland carries significant penalties—theft of $100-$1,500 is punishable by up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, and protect your rights during the process.
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
Maryland’s current law uses the single term “theft.” Older terms like larceny, embezzlement, and false pretenses are now all prosecuted under the unified theft statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. A larceny defense lawyer Washington County now defends against a modern theft charge.
What happens after a theft arrest in Washington County?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail, (2) bail review within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment to hear charges, (4) pre-trial negotiations and motions, (5) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court; felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Frederick County
- DUI Lawyer Washington County, MD
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.