Prince George’s County Theft Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
Theft charges in Prince George’s County are serious, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 25 years in jail. A theft defense lawyer Prince Georges County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the State’s evidence and seek outcomes like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a conviction. Our firm has documented results in Maryland District and Circuit Courts.
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
In Maryland, theft is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The classification and penalties depend entirely on the value of the property or services involved. A larceny defense lawyer Prince George’s County must understand these gradations to build an effective defense strategy.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We focus on the specific procedures of Prince George’s County courts to protect your rights and future.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see the Maryland General Assembly website for Criminal Law § 7-104. Court information, including location and hours, is available on the Maryland Courts website for the District Court in Upper Marlboro.
Prince George’s County Court Process for Theft Charges
In Prince George’s County, all misdemeanor theft cases are heard at the District Court in Upper Marlboro. Felony theft cases begin there but are transferred to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for trial. Prosecutors from the State’s Attorney’s office for Prince George’s County handle these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many theft offenses. PBJ allows the court to place you on probation without entering a formal guilty finding on your record, which is crucial for employment and housing.
- 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 not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress if applicable, 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 or if you accept a plea, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include PBJ, fines, probation, or incarceration.
- Post-Case Options: Your attorney can advise on expungement eligibility, which may be available for dismissals, acquittals, or after a 3-year waiting period following a PBJ.
Theft Penalties in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, theft penalties are determined by the value stolen, with misdemeanor theft under $1,500 carrying up to 6 months in jail and felony theft over $1,500 carrying up to 5 years or more.
| Offense (By Value) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, significant restitution possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Maryland Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who brings direct insight into how the State builds its cases. With a combined 120+ years of experience and a firm-wide record of over 4,739 documented case results, we apply a strategic, evidence-focused approach to theft defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific Prince George’s County theft results are part of our confidential case files, our firm-wide practice has secured over 4,739 documented case results with a high rate of favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and PBJ dispositions. A stealing charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County from our team, like Mr. Sris, leverages this extensive experience. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving financial evidence.
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 serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, and Hyattsville. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, and Route 301.
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 — meetings by appointment only. Serving neighborhoods across Prince George’s County.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at 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. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). Some non-violent theft convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Eligibility is case-specific, and petitions are filed with 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 can negotiate for PBJ to avoid a conviction, challenge the State’s evidence on value or intent, and guide you through the expungement process. The potential consequences justify legal representation.
What happens after a theft arrest in Prince George’s County?
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your case will then proceed to arraignment and either a plea negotiation or a trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
How does a theft charge become a felony in Maryland?
The value is the primary factor. Theft of property or services valued at $1,500 or more is a felony under Maryland law. However, the prosecution must prove this value beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a common point of challenge for a theft defense lawyer Prince Georges County.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related issues like DUI defense in Prince George’s County. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your theft charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.