Theft Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Options?
A theft charge in Anne Arundel County is a serious matter under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 5 years in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing larceny and stealing charges.
Maryland Theft Law and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Theft in Maryland is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The classification and penalties depend entirely on the value of the property involved and the specific circumstances of the alleged act. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings extensive experience to these cases.
External Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website (Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104). For court-specific information, visit the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County official website.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges in Anne Arundel County
All misdemeanor theft cases in Anne Arundel County are handled at the District Court located at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. Felony theft cases begin there but are transferred to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases. A critical local disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which can avoid a formal conviction on your record if successfully completed.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no 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 convicted, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include jail time, fines, probation, and restitution.
- Expungement Eligibility: Depending on the outcome (dismissal, acquittal, PBJ after 3 years), you may be eligible to have the record expunged.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, theft penalties escalate based on the property’s value, ranging from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 5 years for felony theft over $1,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Civil citation possible; restitution. |
| Theft $100 to $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; permanent criminal record. |
| Theft $1,500 to $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; felony record; impacts employment, housing. |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Severe felony record; substantial 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 every case. Our firm-wide track includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We have a deep understanding of Maryland theft statutes and the Anne Arundel County court system. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, maintains a selective caseload to provide strategic oversight on complex matters.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in Anne Arundel County. While specific local counts are proprietary, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to favorable outcomes. For example, our team has secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious charges and negotiated probationary sentences that avoid incarceration. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris provides valuable strategic consultation on complex theft cases, leveraging his background in accounting and information systems for financial-related charges.
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. Our office is accessible via major highways including I-97, Route 50, and Route 2.
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
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 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, and PBJ (after 3 years). Some non-violent theft convictions may also be eligible under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Anne Arundel County?
Yes. Theft of $100 to $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 a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, protecting your record and future opportunities.
What happens after a theft arrest in Anne Arundel County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your case then proceeds to arraignment and either a plea agreement or trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court in Annapolis; felonies go to Circuit Court.
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
Maryland’s criminal code uses the term “theft” to broadly cover what was historically called larceny, as well as embezzlement, false pretenses, and receiving stolen property. A skilled theft defense lawyer Anne Arundel County will analyze the specific allegations under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 to build your defense.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. If you are facing other charges, explore our Anne Arundel County DUI defense or family law services.
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 theft charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.