Theft in Montgomery 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.
Theft Defense Lawyer Montgomery County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, theft is defined as the unauthorized control over property of another with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. The statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, classifies theft based on the value of the property stolen. Theft of property valued at less than $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 in jail. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Theft of property valued at $25,000 or more is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. A larceny defense lawyer Montgomery County can help handle these classifications and build a defense strategy case-specific to the specific facts of your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery 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.
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — official site. For court procedures and forms, visit the Maryland Courts — 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 formal conviction on your record if you complete probation successfully.
- Attend your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Attend arraignment where charges are formally read and a plea is entered.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Negotiate a PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet disposition with the prosecutor.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to trial in the District Court or Circuit Court.
In Montgomery County, theft carries penalties that escalate with the value of the property stolen, from up to 90 days for minor theft to up to 15 years for major theft.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| Theft $25,000+ | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Criminal record, loss of voting 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 has handled numerous theft and larceny cases in Montgomery County, achieving favorable outcomes through strategic negotiation and litigation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented results in Montgomery County: 2 dismissed or not guilty, 19 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 95%. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 2 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, with access via I-270 and Route 355. If you need a stealing charge defense lawyer Montgomery County, we are here to help. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Defense in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against theft charges?
Defense strategies for theft in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland page. You may also find these pages useful: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Montgomery County, and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-30.