Theft Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Theft charges in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, are serious and carry penalties from 90 days to 5 years in jail under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. A conviction can create a permanent criminal record. As a theft defense lawyer St Marys County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense.
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, theft is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property taken and the circumstances. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine. Theft of $1,500 or more is a felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. These penalties highlight why you need an experienced theft defense lawyer St Marys County.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statute, visit the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules for St. Mary’s County can be found on the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County website.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges in St. Mary’s County
All misdemeanor theft cases in St. Mary’s County are handled at the District Court located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. The process typically begins with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who will set bail. A critical local procedural fact is that Maryland offers a disposition called Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). For eligible theft offenses, a PBJ allows the court to place you on probation without entering a formal guilty conviction on your public record. Successfully completing probation can lead to the case being expunged after a 3-year waiting period. This is a key defense strategy a larceny defense lawyer St. Mary’s County will pursue.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will appear before a commissioner for bail determination within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress if applicable, 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 before a District Court judge.
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. If granted PBJ, you will be placed on probation.
- Post-Trial Options: Your attorney can advise on appeals or, after the waiting period, filing for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Theft in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, theft charges carry a wide range of penalties based on the value of the property, from 90 days for petty theft to 5 years in prison for felony theft.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible restitution orders. |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, significant restitution, loss of certain civil rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Theft Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the local St. Mary’s County court system and the strategies needed to protect your future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results are unique to each case, our firm’s approach is consistent: vigorous defense aimed at the best possible outcome. For theft charges, this often means negotiating for a PBJ to avoid a conviction, seeking a reduction to a lesser charge, or moving for dismissal if the evidence is weak. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every client benefits from deep legal experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Theft Defense Lawyer Serving St. Mary’s County
Our Maryland location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts. We are your local theft defense lawyer near Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Contact: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’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 misdemeanor theft cases at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get a theft charge expunged in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ dispositions (after the 3-year wait). Theft convictions may be eligible for expungement under the Justice Reinvestment Act if they are non-violent and meet other criteria. A stealing charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can evaluate your specific case.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft in Maryland carries up to 6 months in jail and creates a permanent record. An attorney can negotiate for a PBJ to avoid a conviction, seek a reduction in charges, or challenge the evidence against you at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
What happens after a theft arrest in St. Mary’s 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 trial in District Court for misdemeanors, or to Circuit Court for felony theft charges.
What is the difference between theft and robbery in Maryland?
Theft involves taking property without force. Robbery is theft accomplished by force or threat of force and is a much more serious felony. A theft defense lawyer St Marys County can explain the specific elements of your charge and the associated penalties.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.