Theft charges in Charles County, Maryland, are prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, with penalties ranging from up to 90 days for theft under $100 to up to 5 years for theft between $1,500 and $25,000. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Charles County, including documented results in theft-related cases.
Theft Defense Lawyer Charles County, Maryland
Theft in Maryland is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, Title 7, Subtitle 1. The statute consolidates common law larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, and shoplifting into a single offense. The value of the property determines the classification: theft of property valued at less than $100 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail; theft of $100 to $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months; theft of $1,500 to $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years; and theft of $25,000 or more is a felony punishable by up to 15 years. A larceny defense lawyer Charles County can explain how these classifications apply to your specific case. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of Maryland’s theft statutes, visit: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-101 (Maryland General Assembly — official site) and District Court of MD for Charles County (Maryland Courts — official site).
In District Court of MD for Charles County, prosecutors routinely file theft charges based on police reports and witness statements. We have observed that early intervention often leads to more favorable outcomes, such as a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) or a Stet docket. A stealing charge defense lawyer Charles County can challenge the evidence and negotiate with the State’s Attorney.
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately after arrest.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings to avoid a bench warrant.
- Collect any evidence that supports your defense, such as receipts or witness statements.
- Contact a Theft Defense Lawyer Charles County to evaluate your case.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a PBJ, Stet, or dismissal.
- If necessary, prepare for trial with your attorney’s guidance.
In Charles County, theft carries penalties ranging from up to 90 days in jail for minor theft to up to 15 years in prison for theft of $25,000 or more.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, potential employment impact |
| Theft $100–$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential employment impact |
| Theft $1,500–$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights, employment barriers |
| Theft $25,000+ | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Felony record, loss of voting rights, employment barriers |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has extensive criminal defense experience in Charles County, including theft-related cases. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects the firm’s commitment to providing aggressive representation regardless of the client’s location or circumstances.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Charles County, including documented results in theft-related cases firm-wide. The firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 40 miles from District Court of MD for Charles County, with access via Route 301, Route 228, and Route 210. A Theft Defense Lawyer Charles County serves the communities of La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Defense in Charles County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles 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 Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes, PBJ avoids a formal conviction and is available at District Court of MD for Charles County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Charles County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Charles County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes, expungement is available for many dispositions at District Court of MD for Charles County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). Felonies go to Charles County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance, bail review, arraignment, and trial at District Court of MD for Charles County.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Charles County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Charles County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Yes, an attorney can help negotiate PBJ or dismissal at District Court of MD for Charles County.
For more information, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also be interested in our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County pages. For related practice areas, see Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Charles County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Charles County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was generated on 2026-04-30.