Theft Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — Protecting Your Rights
If you are facing theft charges in Prince George’s County, you need a dedicated theft defense lawyer Prince Georges County. Theft is prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, with penalties ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony based on the value of the property. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
Theft in Maryland is defined as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The specific statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, classifies the offense based on the value of the stolen goods, which directly impacts the potential penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of both prosecution and defense strategies to every case.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft laws, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website. Court procedures and information for Prince George’s County can be found on the Maryland Courts website.
Defending Theft Charges in Prince George’s County Court
Prince George’s County District Court handles all misdemeanor theft trials and initial appearances for felony theft cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many theft offenses. PBJ allows the judge to place you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, which avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete the probation terms. This is a critical disposition that a skilled larceny defense lawyer Prince George’s County can pursue. Theft cases are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, and dispositions like Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) or Stet (inactive docket) are also common negotiation outcomes.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Your attorney will review evidence, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and negotiate for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing or Probation: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on sentencing guidelines and arguments from your attorney.
- Expungement: For eligible outcomes like PBJ (after a 3-year wait), acquittals, or dismissals, you can petition to have the record expunged.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, theft penalties escalate based on the property’s value, ranging from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 20 years in prison for theft over $100,000.
| Offense (By Value) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Civil restitution; criminal record |
| Theft $100 to under $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Civil 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.
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 your defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. We have a deep understanding of local court procedures, having represented numerous clients in Prince George’s County. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific locality results are proprietary, our firm-wide commitment is demonstrated through 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our approach involves a collaborative team effort. For instance, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, often consults on complex theft cases involving financial elements, providing an additional layer of strategic analysis. We use this collective experience to build the strongest possible defense for each client.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Theft Defense Representation
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Prince George’s County. We represent individuals at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro, accessible via I-495, I-95, and Route 301. If you are searching for a “theft lawyer near Upper Marlboro” or “theft defense near National Harbor,” we are here to help. We serve communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Defense in Prince George’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my theft record expunged in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. Eligibility hinges on the final disposition of your case.
What happens after a theft arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanor theft is tried at District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. Felony theft goes to Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Prince George’s County?
Yes. Theft of $100-$1,500 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at District Court of MD for Prince George’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
What should I look for in a stealing charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County?
Look for an attorney with direct experience in Prince George’s County District Court, knowledge of local prosecutors’ tendencies, and a track record of negotiating PBJ and dismissals. A background as a former prosecutor, like Kristen Fisher, provides unique insight into the state’s strategy.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page, or read about defense in neighboring areas like Montgomery County. If you are also facing related issues, consider our Prince George’s County DUI defense services.
Page last verified and updated: 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 charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.