Theft in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Title 7, consolidating common law larceny, embezzlement, and false pretenses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland. A Theft Defense Lawyer Maryland can help you handle charges ranging from misdemeanor theft under $100 to felony theft over $25,000.
Theft Defense Lawyer Maryland
Under Maryland law, theft is a consolidated offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law Title 7, Subtitle 1. The statute merges common law larceny, embezzlement, false pretenses, and receiving stolen property into a single crime. The value of the property determines the classification: theft of property valued at less than $100 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail; theft between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months; theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony carrying up to 5 years; and theft over $25,000 is a felony carrying up to 15 years. 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 Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Md. Code, Criminal Law § 7-104 (Maryland General Assembly — official site)
Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov — official site)
In the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time theft offenders. PBJ allows you to avoid a conviction on your record if you complete probation successfully. We have observed that early intervention — before arraignment — significantly increases the likelihood of a PBJ offer.
- Do not speak to police without your attorney present.
- Contact a Theft Defense Lawyer Maryland immediately at (888) 437-7747.
- Preserve any evidence that may support your defense, such as receipts or witness statements.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings; failure to appear can result in a bench warrant.
- Review all plea options with your attorney before making any decisions.
- Consider expungement eligibility after case resolution under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
In Maryland, theft carries penalties ranging from 90 days to 15 years in prison depending on the value of the property stolen.
| 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 $2,500 | None | Probation, restitution, possible PBJ |
| Theft $1,500–$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Probation, restitution, loss of civil rights |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Probation, restitution, loss of civil rights |
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 handles theft defense cases throughout Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and Baltimore. Advocacy Without Borders reflects the firm’s commitment to accessible, experienced representation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. In theft/fraud/property cases specifically, SRIS has 92 documented results: 59 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, with access via I-270 and I-495. Serving the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. 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
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS has extensive criminal defense experience. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Yes. A Theft Defense Lawyer Maryland can negotiate PBJ or dismissal at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What is the penalty for theft over $1,500 in Maryland?
Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony in Maryland under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 7-104, carrying up to 5 years in prison and fines. Theft over $25,000 carries up to 15 years. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County can help negotiate reduced charges.
Can a theft charge be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. Under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220, certain theft convictions may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period. Misdemeanor theft under $1,500 may be eligible after 3 years if no subsequent convictions. A larceny defense lawyer Maryland can evaluate eligibility.
What should I do if I am charged with stealing in Maryland?
You should contact a stealing charge defense lawyer Maryland immediately. Do not speak to police without counsel. An attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and seek alternatives like PBJ or dismissal. SRIS has extensive criminal defense experience. Call (888) 437-7747.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services. We also serve Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County. For related matters, see our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Maryland and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Maryland pages.
Last verified: April 2026