Theft Defense Lawyer Baltimore — What Are Your Options?
Theft charges in Baltimore are prosecuted under Maryland law, with penalties ranging from a misdemeanor for theft under $100 to a felony for theft over $1,500. A theft defense lawyer Baltimore from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides critical defense at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
Theft in Maryland is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 7-101 et seq. The law covers a wide range of property crimes, from shoplifting to embezzlement, with the severity of the charge and potential penalties largely determined by the value of the property involved. A larceny defense lawyer Baltimore must understand these classifications to build an effective defense strategy.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom to every theft case in Baltimore.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 7-101. Court procedures and filing information for Baltimore County can be found on the District Court of Maryland website.
handling a Theft Case in Baltimore County
Baltimore County District Court in Towson handles all misdemeanor theft trials and initial appearances for felony theft cases. Prosecutors from the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore County actively pursue these charges. A key procedural advantage in Maryland is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many theft offenses, which can avoid a formal conviction on your record if successfully negotiated.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner who will set bail or release conditions.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court or, for felonies, may be sent to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence. If eligible, the judge may grant PBJ, placing you on probation without a conviction.
- Expungement: After a waiting period (3 years for PBJ), you may petition to have the case expunged from your public record.
Potential Penalties for Theft in Baltimore
In Baltimore, theft charges carry penalties based on the value of the property, ranging from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 20 years in prison for theft over $100,000.
| Offense (By 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 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Theft $25,000 – $100,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Severe felony record, substantial restitution |
| Theft over $100,000 | 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 Theft Defense Lawyers in Baltimore
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined legal experience exceeds 120 years. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. For Baltimore theft cases, our team includes attorneys with direct experience in the local courts.
Case Results for Theft and Related Charges
Our firm has a strong record in criminal defense. For example, we have secured results such as a Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) in a Baltimore County child pornography distribution case and a deferred sentence with probation in a possession case. Firm-wide, we have 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.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, bringing his multi-state experience and background in accounting to financial-related theft charges.
Local Theft Defense Representation in Baltimore County
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.
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson (120 East Chesapeake Avenue). We represent individuals from communities across the county, including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. As a theft defense lawyer Baltimore near the courthouse, we are positioned to provide accessible representation. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Charges in Baltimore
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 (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 Baltimore County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson).
What happens after a criminal 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. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson. Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanor theft carries significant penalties — theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
Is theft a felony in Maryland?
It depends on the value. Theft of property valued at $1,500 or more is a felony in Maryland under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104(g). Theft under $1,500 is generally a misdemeanor, but prior convictions or other factors can enhance the charge.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related issues like DUI defense in Baltimore. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your theft charge, contact a theft defense lawyer Baltimore at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a consultation.