Theft Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County — Protecting Your Rights
A theft charge in Anne Arundel County is a serious matter under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 20 years. As a dedicated theft defense lawyer Anne Arundel County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate, strategic defense for larceny and stealing charges. Our firm has documented results in local courts. Contact us 24/7.
Maryland Theft Law and Penalties
Theft in Maryland, often called larceny, is defined under the state’s Criminal Law Article. The specific charges and penalties depend heavily on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the alleged act.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of how theft cases are investigated and prosecuted in Maryland. This insight is critical for building an effective defense strategy from the start.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures for Anne Arundel County are managed by the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges
In Anne Arundel County, all misdemeanor theft trials and initial felony appearances occur at the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. Felony jury trials move to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many theft offenses. A PBJ disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge imposes sentence. If granted PBJ, you serve probation without a conviction.
- Expungement: For eligible outcomes (dismissal, acquittal, PBJ after 3 years), you can petition to have the record expunged.
Theft Penalties in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, theft penalties are determined by the value of the property and prior record, ranging from a civil citation to decades in prison.
| Offense (Based on Value) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible restitution |
| Theft $100 to under $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $1,500 to under $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Theft $25,000 to under $100,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Severe felony record, substantial restitution |
| Theft $100,000 or more | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Lengthy prison term, massive restitution, permanent felony record |
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 attorney experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the courtroom. For theft and larceny defense, we combine this foundational strength with specific, local experience. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local results are confidential, our firm-wide commitment is demonstrated through over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach as your theft defense lawyer Anne Arundel County involves meticulous case analysis, challenging the prosecution’s evidence on value and intent, and pursuing every available alternative to conviction, such as PBJ.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every defense is thorough and aggressive.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland office represents clients at Anne Arundel County courts. We serve communities throughout the county including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
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 Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my theft record expunged in Anne Arundel 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. Cases in Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. Eligibility hinges on the final disposition and the nature of the offense.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Anne Arundel County?
Yes. Theft of $100-$1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail. An experienced stealing charge defense lawyer Anne Arundel County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County, protecting your future.
What happens after a theft arrest in Anne Arundel County?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
How does a larceny defense lawyer Anne Arundel County challenge the charges?
A defense lawyer challenges theft charges by disputing the intent to permanently deprive the owner, questioning the valuation of the property, filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and presenting alternative explanations for the alleged act to create reasonable doubt.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.