Theft charges in Somerset 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 over $1,500. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Somerset County, including 92 documented theft/fraud/property results firm-wide.
Theft Defense Lawyer in Somerset County, Maryland
Maryland law defines theft under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, encompassing the unauthorized taking of property or services. Theft charges in Somerset County are classified by value: theft under $100 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail; theft between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor with up to 6 months; theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with up to 5 years; and theft over $25,000 is a felony with up to 15 years. The District Court of MD for Somerset County handles misdemeanor theft cases, while the Somerset County Circuit Court handles felony theft cases. 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 Somerset County | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of Maryland theft statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures in Somerset County, visit District Court of MD for Somerset County (Maryland Courts — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Somerset County, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time theft offenders, which avoids a formal conviction. We have observed that the State’s Attorney for Somerset County often considers PBJ for theft under $1,500, especially when restitution is paid upfront.
- Contact a Theft Defense Lawyer Somerset County immediately after arrest.
- Attend your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail setting.
- Request a bail review hearing if detained, within 24 hours.
- Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney for PBJ, Stet, or dismissal.
- If no agreement, proceed to trial at District Court or Circuit Court.
- After resolution, explore expungement options with your attorney.
In Somerset County, theft charges carry penalties based on the value of property stolen, as defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article.
| 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, PBJ possible |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Probation, restitution, potential jail |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Probation, restitution, potential jail |
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 92 documented theft/fraud/property results firm-wide, with 59 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects our commitment to clients in Somerset County and beyond.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 92 documented results in theft/fraud/property cases firm-wide: 59 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended, and 5 other favorable outcomes — a favorable-outcome rate of 93%+.
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 120 miles from District Court of MD for Somerset County, with access via Route 13 and Route 413. As a Theft Defense Lawyer Somerset County, we serve clients near Somerset County. Serving the communities of Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, and Deal Island. 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 Somerset County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Somerset 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 Somerset County (30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853). 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 conviction and is available at District Court of MD for Somerset County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Somerset 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 Somerset County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Somerset 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 PBJ after 3 years at District Court of MD for Somerset County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Somerset County, Maryland?
After arrest in Somerset 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 Somerset County (30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853). Felonies go to Somerset 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.
After arrest, you appear before a commissioner for bail, then a bail review hearing within 24 hours.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Somerset 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 Somerset 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, a lawyer can negotiate PBJ to avoid a conviction at District Court of MD for Somerset County.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland 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 Somerset County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Somerset County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was updated to reflect current Maryland law and Somerset County court procedures.