Theft Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
A theft charge in St. Mary’s County is a serious matter under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, with penalties ranging from 90 days to 5 years in jail. As a theft defense lawyer St Marys County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands the local court procedures at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Maryland Theft Law and Penalties
Theft in Maryland is defined as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner of that property. The specific charges and penalties depend heavily on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the alleged act. The statute classifies theft into several degrees, with misdemeanor theft generally involving property valued under $1,500 and felony theft for values of $1,500 or more.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s theft statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules for St. Mary’s County can be found on the Maryland Courts website for St. Mary’s County District Court.
Local Court Process for Theft Charges in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, all misdemeanor theft cases are handled at the District Court located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. Felony theft cases begin there for an initial appearance but are then sent to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for trial. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. A critical local consideration is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which, if granted, avoids a formal conviction on your record for eligible theft offenses.
- 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 agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence based on guidelines, which may include jail, probation, fines, and restitution.
- Post-Trial Options: This includes filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement of the record.
Potential Penalties for Theft in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, theft penalties escalate based on property 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 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; eligible for PBJ |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; felony record |
| Theft over $25,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; severe felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Theft Defense Team in St. Mary’s County
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of both prosecution tactics and defense strategy. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor whose background provides critical insight into how theft cases are built and challenged.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results in St. Mary’s County are part of our broader practice, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes (dismissals, reductions, not guilty verdicts). These results stem from meticulous case preparation and strategic negotiation. For instance, our team, including Mr. Sris who provides strategic oversight on complex matters, has successfully argued for case dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and favorable plea agreements that avoid incarceration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Theft Defense Lawyer Near St. Mary’s County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. We are accessible via major routes like Route 5 and Route 235. If you need a theft defense lawyer St Marys County or a stealing charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
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: Theft Charges in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for theft in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction on your record. It is available for most misdemeanor thefts at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can a theft charge be expunged in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), cases placed on the stet docket, and PBJ dispositions after 3 years. Certain non-violent theft convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. The petition is filed in the St. Mary’s County court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft in Maryland carries significant penalties—up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine for theft valued between $100 and $1,500. An attorney can negotiate for a PBJ disposition or dismissal at the St. Mary’s County District Court, outcomes that protect your record and future.
What happens after a theft arrest in St. Mary’s 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 trial. Misdemeanor theft is tried at the District Court in Leonardtown; felony theft goes to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
What’s 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. In practice, “theft” is the charge you will see. A skilled larceny defense lawyer St. Mary’s County understands these nuances and the specific elements the State must prove for a conviction.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Anne Arundel County and with related issues such as DUI defense in St. Mary’s County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your theft charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.