Theft in Howard County, Maryland, is 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 Howard County, including documented results in theft and fraud cases.
Theft Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
In Maryland, theft is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, Title 7, Subtitle 1. The statute consolidates various property crimes — including larceny, embezzlement, and theft by deception — into a single unified offense. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property stolen. Theft of property valued at under $100 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years. Theft of property valued at $25,000 or more is a felony punishable by up to 15 years. A larceny defense lawyer Howard County can help you handle these complex statutes and build a defense case-specific to the specific facts of your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
For the full text of Maryland’s theft statutes, visit: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, Title 7 (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
For information on the District Court of MD for Howard County, visit: District Court of MD for Howard County (Maryland Courts — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Howard County, prosecutors routinely file theft charges based on store security reports or police observations without reviewing surveillance footage thoroughly. We have observed that early intervention — before the State’s Attorney’s Office reviews the evidence — can lead to a Nolle Prosequi or a reduction to a lesser charge.
- Contact a stealing charge defense lawyer Howard County immediately after arrest.
- Request a bail review hearing if you are detained.
- Gather any evidence that may support your defense, such as receipts, witness statements, or surveillance footage.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Howard County, 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
- Work with your attorney to negotiate a PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet disposition.
- If eligible, file for expungement after the case is resolved.
In Howard County, theft carries penalties that escalate with the value of the property stolen, from a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail to a felony with up to 15 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Probation, restitution |
| Theft $100–$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Probation, restitution, possible PBJ |
| Theft $1,500–$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Probation, restitution, possible PBJ |
| Theft $25,000+ | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Probation, restitution, possible PBJ |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with over 93% favorable outcomes. In theft and fraud cases specifically, SRIS has documented 92 results: 59 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes.
Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Howard County, with access via I-95 and Route 29.
If you are searching for a theft defense lawyer near Howard County, we are here to help.
Serving the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). 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.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard 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.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 Howard 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.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services.
We also serve Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.
Related practice areas: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Howard County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Howard County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Content reflects current Maryland law and procedures at the District Court of MD for Howard County and Howard County Circuit Court.