Theft Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — Protecting Your Rights & Record
A theft charge in Montgomery County, Maryland, is a serious matter under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, carrying penalties from 90 days to 5 years in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County across all practice areas.
Maryland Theft & Larceny Laws
Theft in Maryland is governed by the Criminal Law Article. The statute defines theft as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner. The classification and penalties depend entirely on the value of the property involved and the specific circumstances of the alleged act.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules for Montgomery County cases are available at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
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, which can avoid a formal conviction on your record if successfully completed. Our approach focuses on challenging the state’s evidence of intent and value, which directly determines the charge severity.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Our attorney will obtain all police reports and evidence from the State’s Attorney.
- We analyze the evidence, specifically focusing on the alleged value and intent.
- We engage in pre-trial negotiations, aiming for a reduction, dismissal, or PBJ.
- If necessary, we prepare for and conduct a vigorous bench trial at the District Court.
- We advise on expungement eligibility if the case is resolved favorably.
Penalties for Theft Charges in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, theft charges range from a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail for property under $100, to a felony with up to 5 years imprisonment for property valued between $1,500 and $25,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Record Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal Record | Restitution, difficulty finding employment |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | Criminal Record | Restitution, loss of professional licenses |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Record | Restitution, loss of voting rights, ineligibility for certain loans |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Record | Severe restitution, long-term collateral consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Montgomery County, we have a documented history of achieving positive results for clients facing theft and larceny charges. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to relentless defense.
Case Results in Theft & Larceny Defense
Our firm has secured numerous favorable outcomes in theft-related cases. While specific results are confidential, our overall documented success in Montgomery County includes cases where charges were reduced, dismissed via Nolle Prosequi, or resolved through Probation Before Judgment to avoid a conviction. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex theft cases involving financial evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near Montgomery County, MD
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). If you need a theft defense lawyer near Rockville Town Square, Bethesda Row, or the Montgomery County Government Center, we are here to help.
We serve clients in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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, United States
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 after a 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, and PBJ (after 3 years). Some non-violent theft convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Eligibility is case-specific and requires a petition to the court where the case was heard.
Do I need a larceny defense lawyer Montgomery County for a misdemeanor theft charge?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft in Maryland carries significant penalties—theft of $100-$1,500 can result in up to 6 months in jail. A larceny defense lawyer Montgomery County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, protecting your record and future.
What should I look for in a stealing charge defense lawyer Montgomery County?
Look for a lawyer with specific courtroom experience in Montgomery County District Court, knowledge of local prosecutors’ tendencies, and a track record in theft cases. A background as a former prosecutor, like Kristen Fisher, provides unique insight into how the other side builds its case.
What happens after a theft arrest in Montgomery 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 detained. Your case will then proceed to arraignment and trial in District Court for misdemeanors, or to Circuit Court for felonies.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you are facing other charges, explore our Montgomery County DUI defense and family law services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.
