Theft Defense Lawyer Rockville — What Are Your Options?
Theft charges in Rockville, Maryland, are prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, with penalties ranging from a misdemeanor up to 6 months for theft of $100-$1,500 to a felony up to 5 years for theft of $1,500-$25,000. As a theft defense lawyer Rockville, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
Theft in Maryland is defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property taken and the circumstances. A larceny defense lawyer Rockville must understand these classifications to build an effective case. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days. Theft between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months incarceration and a $500 fine. Theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with a potential sentence of up to 5 years and a $10,000 fine. Higher-value thefts carry even more severe penalties.
In Rockville, a theft charge can carry penalties from 90 days for petty theft to 5 years for felony theft, plus fines and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | 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-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution, difficulty finding employment |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution, loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Severe felony record, significant restitution, long-term collateral damage |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges in Rockville
All misdemeanor theft cases in Montgomery County begin at the District Court of Maryland located at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. A stealing charge defense lawyer Rockville will handle this process. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition—it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many first-time theft offenses. Other common outcomes include a Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) or a Stet (case placed on inactive docket).
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a court commissioner for bail determination. A bail review hearing can be requested within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your attorney will request discovery from the State’s Attorney.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Most cases are resolved through plea negotiations aimed at PBJ, reduction, or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a District Court judge. Felony theft cases are sent to Montgomery County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty or if you plead, the judge will impose a sentence or grant PBJ. Your attorney will advocate for the most favorable result.
- Expungement: If eligible (e.g., after a PBJ waiting period, acquittal, or dismissal), your attorney can file a petition to have the record expunged.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Lawyers in Rockville
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your theft charge. We analyze police reports, witness statements, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Our team includes firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a unique advantage in theft cases involving financial evidence. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and PBJ dispositions for clients facing theft charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Rockville Theft Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients in Rockville and Montgomery County. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike), near the Rockville Town Square and the District Court.
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.
We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Theft Defense Lawyer Rockville
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties—theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate). Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland?
It depends. PBJ is a disposition where the court finds you guilty but suspends entry of a judgment, placing you on probation. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your public record. It is often available for first-time, non-violent offenses like certain thefts and is a primary goal of a larceny defense lawyer Rockville.
Can a theft charge be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, stets, nolle prosequi, and PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period). Some qualifying non-violent convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. A stealing charge defense lawyer Rockville can review your case to determine eligibility.
What is the difference between theft and robbery in Maryland?
Theft involves taking property without consent. Robbery is theft accomplished by force or threat of force. Robbery is always a felony with much more severe penalties. An experienced theft defense lawyer Rockville can analyze the facts to challenge the State’s classification of the offense.
What should I do if I am accused of shoplifting in Rockville?
Number one: Do not make any statements to store security or police. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with an attorney immediately. Contact a theft defense lawyer Rockville as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Maryland District Court website.
Related Pages: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Assault Lawyer Rockville | DUI Lawyer Rockville
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.