Theft Defense Lawyer Baltimore — What Are Your Options?
A theft charge in Baltimore is a serious matter under Maryland law, with penalties ranging from fines to years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing larceny, shoplifting, and other theft-related charges.
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
In Maryland, theft is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The law defines theft as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The severity of the charge and potential penalties depend primarily on the value of the property involved.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built its practice on a deep understanding of criminal statutes and courtroom procedure. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, ensures that every case receives strategic attention from attorneys familiar with the nuances of Maryland’s theft laws.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statute, you can review Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures for Baltimore County cases are handled at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges
In Baltimore County, a theft case typically begins with an arrest or a summons. Misdemeanor theft cases (generally under $1,500 in value) are heard in the District Court in Towson. For a stealing charge defense lawyer Baltimore, a key early goal is often to seek a disposition like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record if probation is successfully completed.
- Initial Appearance/Arraignment: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions, review evidence, and negotiate with the State’s Attorney’s office.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If found guilty or if a plea is entered, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include PBJ, fines, probation, or jail time.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal to the Circuit Court or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement of the record.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Baltimore
In Baltimore County, theft penalties are determined by the value of the property, with misdemeanor charges for amounts under $1,500 carrying up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine, and felony charges for amounts $1,500 to $25,000 carrying up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Civil demand from retailer; criminal record |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; probation; PBJ possible |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record; restitution; supervised probation |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Severe felony record; significant restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Theft Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Mr. Sris, the managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight, while our Maryland team is led by attorneys like Kristen Fisher, who uses her firsthand experience as a former Assistant State’s Attorney to build effective defenses.
Case Results in Baltimore County
Our attorneys actively practice in Baltimore County courts. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Baltimore County Theft Defense Lawyers
If you are searching for a “theft defense lawyer Baltimore” or a “larceny defense lawyer Baltimore,” our Maryland office serves clients throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, and Pikesville. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment.
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
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Baltimore 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 Baltimore County – Towson. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my theft record expunged in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Eligibility depends on the final disposition of your case and the specific offense. Cases in Baltimore County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a theft arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest in Baltimore County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanor theft cases are tried at the District Court in Towson. Felony theft cases go to Baltimore County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Baltimore County?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft in Maryland carries significant penalties—theft of $100-$1,500 can result in up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at the Towson District Court can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal, and protect your rights throughout the process.
What is the difference between theft and shoplifting in Maryland?
In Maryland, shoplifting is a type of theft defined as knowingly taking possession of merchandise from a store with the intent to deprive the merchant of possession or full value. It is prosecuted under the same general theft statute (§ 7-104), but may involve specific evidence like surveillance footage.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and with related issues such as DUI defense in Baltimore.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your theft charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.