Theft Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — Protecting Your Rights & Future
A theft charge in Prince George’s County is a serious matter under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 5 years in jail. As a dedicated theft defense lawyer Prince Georges County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. leverages local court knowledge to build your defense.
Maryland Theft Laws & Penalties
Theft in Maryland is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-101 as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner. The classification and penalties depend entirely on the value of the property involved, making the specific facts of your case critical.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Prince George’s County
handling Theft Charges in Prince George’s County Court
Prince George’s County District Court handles all misdemeanor theft trials and initial appearances for felony theft cases. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes these charges. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many theft offenses, which can avoid a formal conviction on your record if successfully completed.
If you are charged with theft, understanding the local court process is essential:
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: Misdemeanor cases are tried in District Court. Felony theft cases are sent to Prince George’s County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence. If eligible, the judge may grant PBJ, placing you on probation instead of entering a conviction.
- Expungement: For qualifying outcomes like a PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period), dismissal, or acquittal, you can petition to have the record expunged.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, theft penalties are determined by the value of the property, ranging from 90 days in jail for theft under $100 to 5 years for theft valued between $1,500 and $25,000.
| Offense (Based on Value) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible restitution |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution, difficulty finding employment |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution, loss of professional licenses, ineligibility for certain loans/housing |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Severe felony record, substantial restitution, long-term collateral consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Theft Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of Maryland law and the specific dynamics of Prince George’s County courtrooms.
Our team, including firm founder and former prosecutor Mr. Sris, works collaboratively. Mr. Sris’s multi-state practice and background in accounting provide an additional layer of strategic analysis for complex cases. We focus on achieving the best possible resolution, whether that is a dismissal, a reduction in charges, or a favorable plea agreement like PBJ.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. actively practices in Prince George’s County. While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide results demonstrate our commitment to client advocacy. We have successfully secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing a wide range of theft and larceny charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Theft Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland office in Rockville represents clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, and Hyattsville. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, and other major highways.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only. If you need a skilled larceny defense lawyer Prince George’s County or a stealing charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County, contact us immediately to discuss your case.
Theft Defense FAQs for Prince George’s County, MD
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my theft record expunged in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
It depends on the outcome of your case. 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 Prince George’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Prince George’s County?
Yes. Theft of $100-$1,500 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, protecting your record and future.
What happens after a theft arrest in Prince George’s County?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanor theft is tried at District Court. Felony theft goes to Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
What is the difference between theft and robbery in Maryland?
Theft involves taking property without force. Robbery is theft accomplished by force or threat of force. Robbery is a more serious felony with significantly higher penalties, including the potential for a much longer prison sentence.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing theft charges, you may also want to learn about criminal defense in Maryland. For charges in neighboring areas, see our pages for a criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery County or a criminal defense lawyer in Howard County. In Prince George’s County, we also assist with DUI/DWI defense and family law matters.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.