Theft Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland — Protecting Your Rights
A theft charge in St. Mary’s County is a serious matter under Maryland law, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 5 years in jail. As a theft defense lawyer St Marys County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense for larceny and stealing charges. Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in Maryland courts. Contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, theft is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The law prohibits the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The severity of the charge—whether a misdemeanor or felony—depends primarily on the value of the property involved. A larceny defense lawyer St. Mary’s County must understand these value thresholds, as they directly impact the potential penalties and defense strategy. Theft under $100 is typically a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days, while theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
For official statute details, review Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures for St. Mary’s County cases are handled at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County for misdemeanors and the Circuit Court for felonies.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Your attorney will obtain all police reports and evidence from the State’s Attorney.
- We analyze the evidence for weaknesses, such as problems with property identification or intent.
- We negotiate with prosecutors for alternatives like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) or diversion.
- If a fair resolution isn’t possible, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial.
In St. Mary’s County, a theft charge can carry penalties from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 5 years imprisonment for felony theft, plus fines and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, difficulty finding employment |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible restitution |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution, loss of certain rights |
| Theft $25,000 – $100,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, significant restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we fight relentlessly for clients in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the other side builds a case.
Our firm has a proven track record in Maryland criminal courts. For example, we have secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious cases. In one instance, a client facing felony theft charges saw the case dropped after we challenged the evidence of intent. In another, we negotiated a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a misdemeanor theft, allowing the client to avoid a formal conviction. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
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.
Our Maryland location serves clients in St. Mary’s County. We represent individuals from Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. If you need a theft defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County courthouse, we are available. Call for a 24/7 consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Charges in St. Mary’s County
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
In Maryland, “theft” is the broad statutory term that includes what was historically called “larceny.” The Md. Code, Criminal Law Article uses “theft” to cover unlawful taking, embezzlement, false pretenses, and receiving stolen property. A larceny defense lawyer St. Mary’s County handles all these under the modern theft statute.
Can a theft charge be expunged in Maryland?
It depends on the final disposition of your case. Acquittals, dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), and cases placed on the Stet docket can be expunged. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) dispositions for theft are eligible for expungement after a 3-year waiting period. Certain non-violent theft convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a theft charge?
PBJ is a disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty finding. If you successfully complete probation, a formal conviction is not entered on your record. This is a critical goal for a stealing charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County, as it avoids the long-term consequences of a theft conviction.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor theft can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. An attorney can seek PBJ, negotiate for a lesser charge, or challenge the evidence. The firm’s secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with multi-state experience, often collaborates on complex theft defense strategies.
What should I do if I am arrested for theft in St. Mary’s County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone. Contact a theft defense lawyer St Marys County as soon as possible. You will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who will set bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
For more information on theft defense, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Anne Arundel County and Charles County. In St. Mary’s County, we also handle DUI/DWI and family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. 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.