Theft Defense Lawyer Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Theft charges in Maryland are serious, with penalties ranging from 90 days for petty theft to 25 years for felony theft. A theft defense lawyer Maryland from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the State’s evidence, negotiate for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a conviction, or seek a dismissal. Our firm has documented results in Maryland courts. Contact us for a case review.
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
In Maryland, theft is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 7-104. The severity of the charge and potential penalties depend almost entirely on the value of the property or services involved. Maryland law classifies theft into several tiers, from a misdemeanor for smaller amounts to a felony for larger sums or specific circumstances.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how prosecutors build theft cases. This insight is critical for developing an effective defense strategy.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 (official Maryland General Assembly website). Court procedures and local rules for theft cases are handled by the Maryland District Court system.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges
In Montgomery County, theft cases begin with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. The commissioner sets bail. For misdemeanor theft, your trial will be in District Court. For felony theft, the case starts in District Court but can be forwarded to Montgomery County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all police reports, witness statements, and evidence from the prosecution to identify weaknesses.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss the case for lack of probable cause.
- Negotiation & Disposition: Most theft cases are resolved before trial. Your attorney will negotiate for a favorable outcome, such as PBJ, a reduced charge, or community service.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed 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 later be eligible for expungement.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Maryland
In Montgomery County, theft carries penalties based on value: under $100 is up to 90 days, $100-$1,500 is a misdemeanor up to 6 months, and over $1,500 can be a felony with years in prison.
| Offense / Value | 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, difficulty finding employment |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution, loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Severe felony record, significant restitution, long-term collateral damage |
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 each case. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who understand how the State builds theft cases from the inside. This perspective allows us to anticipate strategies and identify procedural weaknesses. We focus on achieving outcomes that protect your future, whether through dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a track record of handling theft and related charges in Maryland. In Montgomery County alone, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. For example, our team, including Mr. Sris, has successfully secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious cases. A strong defense starts with experienced counsel.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Maryland Theft Defense Lawyers
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 are searching for a “theft lawyer near me” in Rockville, Bethesda, or Silver Spring, we are here to help.
Neighborhoods Served: Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — theft $100-$1,500 can mean up to 6 months in jail. A stealing charge defense lawyer Maryland at the District Court can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Our firm has documented results in Maryland courts.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland?
It is a disposition where the court finds you guilty but postpones entering a judgment of conviction. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. It is a critical goal for many theft defenses and requires skilled negotiation.
Can a theft charge be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, stets, nolle prosequi, and PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period). Some qualifying non-violent convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. An attorney can assess your eligibility.
What’s the difference between petty theft and felony theft?
The difference is the value. Theft under $1,500 is generally a misdemeanor. Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony. However, other factors like the type of property or prior convictions can also elevate the charge.
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of theft?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with a theft defense lawyer Maryland immediately.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and with related charges such as DUI in Montgomery County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.