Theft Defense Lawyer Rockville — What Are Your Options?
Theft charges in Rockville, Maryland, are prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, with penalties ranging from a civil citation to felony imprisonment. A theft defense lawyer Rockville from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense, leveraging 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County. Contact us for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Theft Law and Your Defense
Maryland law defines theft as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property and the circumstances. The statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law § 7-104, classifies theft into several categories. For a theft under $100, the charge is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail. Theft of property valued 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 offense becomes a felony with a potential sentence of up to 5 years. A skilled theft defense lawyer Rockville can challenge the state’s evidence on value and intent.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy
All misdemeanor theft cases in Rockville begin at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases. A key defense strategy involves seeking a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Other common outcomes include a Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) or a Stet (case placed on inactive docket). An experienced larceny defense lawyer Rockville understands that prosecutors here routinely consider these alternatives, especially for first-time offenders.
- Attend your initial appearance or arraignment at the District Court in Rockville.
- Your attorney will file motions to challenge evidence, such as the valuation of the property or the legality of a search.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition, such as a PBJ, dismissal, or reduction in charges.
- Prepare for trial if a satisfactory plea agreement cannot be reached.
- If convicted, advocate for minimal penalties at sentencing or file for expungement after the waiting period.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Maryland
In Montgomery County, theft charges carry penalties based on the property’s value, from 90 days for petty theft to 5 years for felony theft.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Civil citation possible |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Lawyers
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 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our Maryland team includes former prosecutors who understand how theft cases are built and how to effectively counter them.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a strong track record in Maryland courts. In Montgomery County alone, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Rockville Theft Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County, including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Germantown. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. If you need a stealing charge defense lawyer Rockville near the District Court on East Jefferson Street, we can help.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between theft and robbery in Maryland?
It depends on the use of force or threat. Theft involves taking property without force. Robbery is theft accomplished through force, threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear. Robbery is always a felony with more severe penalties than standard theft charges.
Can a theft charge be expunged in Maryland?
Yes, in many cases. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, stets, nolle prosequi, and Probation Before Judgment (after a 3-year waiting period). The Justice Reinvestment Act also expanded expungement for some qualifying non-violent convictions.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a theft charge?
PBJ is a disposition where the court finds you guilty but suspends the entry of judgment. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your criminal record. It is a common goal for first-time offenders charged with theft.
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of theft?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with a theft defense lawyer Rockville immediately. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Maryland District Court website.
Explore our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Prince George’s County criminal lawyer and Howard County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs in Rockville, consider a Rockville DUI lawyer or a Rockville family lawyer.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.