Theft Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — Protecting Your Rights & Future
Theft charges in Montgomery County, Maryland, are prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 20 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County. A strong defense is critical to avoid a permanent criminal record. Our theft defense lawyer Montgomery County provides immediate representation.
Maryland Theft Laws & Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, theft is defined as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The specific charges and penalties depend on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the alleged act. The statute covering theft is Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail. Theft between $100 and $1,500 is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail. When the value is between $1,500 and $25,000, the charge becomes a felony with a potential sentence of up to 5 years. For theft over $25,000, the penalty can reach 20 years imprisonment.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Maryland theft statute, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. Court procedures for Montgomery County are handled at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Theft Defense Strategy
In Montgomery County District Court, prosecutors from the State’s Attorney’s office handle theft cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many theft offenses. PBJ allows a judge to place you on probation without entering a formal guilty conviction on your public record, which is crucial for employment and housing. Our firm’s experience in this court is essential for negotiating this outcome.
- Contact a theft defense lawyer immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Gather all evidence, including receipts, witness information, and your account of events.
- Your attorney will file a notice of appearance and request discovery from the State’s Attorney.
- Attend all court dates at the District Court in Rockville, with your lawyer advocating for dismissal, PBJ, or a favorable plea.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, theft charges carry a wide range of penalties based on the value of the property, from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 20 years for theft over $25,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Record Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal Record | Restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | Criminal Record | Restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Record | Restitution, Probation |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Felony Record | Restitution, Extended Probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Theft Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have achieved over 4,739 case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is direct and focused on your specific situation in Montgomery County.
Case Results in Maryland
Our firm has a documented record of achieving positive outcomes for clients. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 cases. For example, our team has secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Montgomery County Theft Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. We are a theft defense lawyer near Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center, serving Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my theft record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends. 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. Eligibility hinges on the final disposition and the nature of the offense.
Do I need a larceny defense lawyer Montgomery County for a misdemeanor theft charge?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. A larceny defense lawyer Montgomery County at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal, which is difficult to achieve without counsel.
What should I do if I am accused of stealing in Montgomery County?
First, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Second, contact a stealing charge defense lawyer Montgomery County immediately. Third, preserve any evidence that supports your side of the story. An attorney can protect your rights from the initial investigation through court proceedings.
How can a theft defense lawyer Montgomery County help if I am innocent?
A theft defense lawyer Montgomery County will investigate the case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence, and present your defense in court. The goal is to secure a complete dismissal or a not-guilty verdict at trial.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Montgomery County DUI lawyer or family law attorney.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your theft charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.