Theft Defense Lawyer Howard County — Protecting Your Rights Against Larceny & Stealing Charges
Theft charges in Howard County, Maryland, are prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) and can range from a misdemeanor to a felony with severe penalties. A theft defense lawyer Howard County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Theft Laws & Penalties in Howard County
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland law categorizes theft based on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the alleged act. The classification determines whether you face misdemeanor or felony charges, directly impacting potential jail time, fines, and long-term consequences. The statute governing theft is found in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. A skilled larceny defense lawyer Howard County understands these gradations and how prosecutors in Howard County typically approach such cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s theft statutes, visit the official Maryland General Assembly website. For specific procedures in Howard County, refer to the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges in Howard County
If you are charged with theft in Howard County, your case will begin at the District Court located at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. For felony theft (typically involving values over $1,500), the case may start in District Court but can be forwarded to the Howard County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases. Early intervention by a stealing charge defense lawyer Howard County is critical, as strategies like seeking a stet (inactive docket) or nolle prosequi (dropped charges) are often most viable before a trial date is set.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include jail, fines, restitution, and probation.
- Expungement: If eligible (e.g., after a PBJ waiting period), you can petition to have the record expunged.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Howard County
In Howard County, theft penalties escalate with the value stolen, ranging from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 5 years in prison for felony theft, plus fines and restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Lawyers in Howard County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes for clients across Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your situation in Howard County.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific case results are confidential, our firm-wide practice has handled over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. Our team actively practices in Howard County courts and understands the local legal field.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near Howard County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, and Clarksville. We are accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32. If you need a theft defense lawyer near the Howard County Courthouse in Ellicott City, contact us for a consultation.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Charges in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 misdemeanor theft cases at the District Court of MD for Howard County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get a theft charge expunged in Howard County?
It depends on the disposition of your case. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). Some non-violent theft convictions may also be eligible under the Justice Reinvestment Act. A lawyer can file the petition in the Howard County court where your case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Howard County?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft under $1,500 carries up to 6 months in jail and a permanent criminal record. An attorney can negotiate for PBJ or a dismissal at the District Court of MD for Howard County, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
Maryland’s consolidated theft statute (Md. Code, Criminal Law Article) generally uses the term “theft” to cover what was historically called larceny, as well as embezzlement and false pretenses. A larceny defense lawyer Howard County defends against all theft-related charges under this modern statute.
What should I do if I am arrested for theft in Howard County?
Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone until you have spoken with a stealing charge defense lawyer Howard County. Contact a law firm like SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 assistance to begin building your defense.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.