A theft charge in Prince George’s County is a serious matter under Maryland law, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 25 years depending on the value and circumstances. As a theft defense lawyer Prince Georges County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. leverages deep local court knowledge to defend clients at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
Maryland Theft & Larceny Laws
Maryland law defines theft as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner. The specific charges and penalties are outlined in Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The classification hinges on the value of the property and the method used, making the details of your case critical.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and filings are handled at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website.
Prince George’s County Court Process for Theft Charges
In Prince George’s County, all misdemeanor theft cases and initial appearances for felony theft are heard at the District Court in Upper Marlboro. 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. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction frequently consider PBJ for first-time offenders, making early strategic negotiation vital.
- 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 guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a reduction or favorable disposition like PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no plea agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include probation, fines, and restitution.
- Expungement: For eligible outcomes (dismissal, acquittal, PBJ after 3 years), you can petition to have the record expunged.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Maryland
In Prince George’s County, theft penalties escalate based on the property’s value, ranging from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 25 years for theft over $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100 to $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $1,500 to $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Theft $25,000 to $100,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Theft over $100,000 | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Team
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we pursue every available legal avenue for your defense. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its case, giving us a strategic edge in countering theft and larceny charges.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific Prince George’s County theft case results are part of our confidential client record, our firm-wide track record speaks to our approach. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and DC. For a stealing charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County, this extensive experience is applied to seek dismissals, reductions, and alternative dispositions like PBJ.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring a full defense.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near Prince George’s County
Our Maryland office in Rockville represents clients facing theft charges at the Prince George’s County District Court in Upper Marlboro. We serve communities across the county, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Contact: 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.
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanor thefts. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my theft record expunged in Prince George’s County?
It depends on the outcome of your case. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). Some non-violent theft convictions may also be eligible under the Justice Reinvestment Act. The petition is filed in the court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft of $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months in jail. An experienced theft defense lawyer Prince Georges County can negotiate for PBJ or dismissal, protecting your record and future. The potential consequences far outweigh the cost of representation.
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
Maryland’s modern criminal code uses the term “theft” to encompass the old common-law crimes of larceny, embezzlement, and false pretenses. A larceny defense lawyer Prince George’s County will defend against charges under the unified theft statute, which covers all unlawful takings of property.
What happens after a theft arrest in Prince George’s County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a commissioner for bail. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if detained. Your case then proceeds to arraignment and pre-trial proceedings in District Court. For felony theft, the case may be forwarded to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
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 assist neighboring clients as a criminal defense lawyer in 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 current legal guidance regarding your specific case.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.