Theft Defense Lawyer Howard County — Protecting Your Rights
A theft charge in Howard County, Maryland, is a serious matter under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Penalties range from 90 days for theft under $100 to 5 years for felony theft. As a theft defense lawyer Howard County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense strategy. Our firm has documented results in Howard County District Court. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Theft Laws and Penalties
Theft, often called larceny, is defined in Maryland’s Criminal Law Article. The severity of the charge and potential penalties depend primarily on the value of the property involved. A larceny defense lawyer Howard County must understand these classifications to build an effective defense.
For a detailed look at the official statutes, review the Maryland theft statute (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 7-104). Court procedures for Howard County cases are managed by the District Court of MD for Howard County.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will file motions, review evidence, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, reduction, or favorable disposition like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
In Howard County, theft charges carry penalties from 90 days in jail for petty theft to 5 years in prison for felony theft over $1,500, plus fines and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Record Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal Conviction |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | Criminal Conviction |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Conviction |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony Conviction |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Lawyer Howard County Team
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. We have a documented record of favorable outcomes in theft and larceny cases across Maryland. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your future.
Case Results and Client Focus
Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific Howard County theft results are part of this record, each case is unique. Firm founder Mr. Sris, with his background in accounting and information systems, provides valuable consultation on complex theft cases involving financial evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near Howard County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, and Savage. We are accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Theft Charges in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a theft charge in Howard County?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you complete probation successfully, you avoid a formal theft conviction on your record. It is available for many misdemeanor theft charges at the District Court of MD for Howard County.
Can a theft charge be expunged from my record in Howard County?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for theft case outcomes like acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period). Some non-violent theft convictions may also be eligible under the Justice Reinvestment Act. The expungement petition is filed in the Howard County court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Howard County?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft in Maryland carries up to 6 months in jail and a permanent criminal record. A stealing charge defense lawyer Howard County can negotiate for a PBJ to avoid a conviction or seek a dismissal. The long-term consequences of a theft record make legal representation critical.
What happens after a theft arrest in Howard County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if detained. Your case then proceeds to arraignment and either pre-trial negotiation or trial. Misdemeanor theft is tried in District Court; felony theft goes to Howard County Circuit Court.
What’s the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
In Maryland, “theft” is the statutory term that includes the old common-law crimes of larceny, embezzlement, and false pretenses. When seeking a larceny defense lawyer Howard County, you are looking for a lawyer experienced in defending against theft charges under the current Maryland code.
For more information on related legal matters in our area, see our pages on Montgomery County criminal defense and Howard County DUI defense. Learn more about our firm on our Maryland criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to 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.