Theft Defense Lawyer Baltimore County — Protecting Your Rights and Future
A theft charge in Baltimore County is a serious matter under Maryland law, carrying penalties from fines to years in prison. As a theft defense lawyer Baltimore County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County in Towson. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide 24/7 consultations.
In Maryland, theft is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 7-104. The law defines theft as the unauthorized control over property with the intent to deprive the owner. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property involved. For example, theft of property valued under $100 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail, while theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony carrying up to 5 years in prison. The classification directly impacts the court where your case is heard and the potential consequences you face.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
For the official Maryland theft statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court information is available at the District Court of Maryland website for Baltimore County – Towson.
The process for a theft charge in Baltimore County begins with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. For misdemeanors, your entire case will be handled at the District Court in Towson. For felony-level theft, the case starts there but may be forwarded to Baltimore County Circuit Court for a jury trial. Understanding the local procedure is critical.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: Appear before a commissioner at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, within 24 hours of arrest for bail determination.
- Arraignment: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County for possible reductions or alternative dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial in District Court or, for felonies, a jury trial in Circuit Court.
In Baltimore County, a theft charge can range from a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail to a felony with up to 5 years in prison, depending on the value and circumstances.
| 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 |
| Theft $1,500 – $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, restitution, difficulty finding 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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm is built on a foundation of courtroom knowledge and strategic defense. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases, which we use to develop effective counter-strategies for clients facing theft and larceny charges.
Our firm’s approach to theft defense is thorough. We examine police reports for procedural errors, challenge the prosecution’s evidence chain, and question the valuation of the allegedly stolen property. In many cases, a skilled stealing charge defense lawyer Baltimore County can negotiate for a PBJ disposition, which avoids a formal conviction on your record if probation is successfully completed. Firm-wide, we have documented over 4,739 case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving financial allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Baltimore County. We represent individuals in communities like Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. If you need a theft defense lawyer near Baltimore County courts, we are accessible via I-695, I-83, and I-95. Contact us for a consultation.
Baltimore County Theft Defense FAQs
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court in Towson. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my theft record expunged in Baltimore 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 expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Eligibility is case-specific and requires a petition to the court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft charge in Baltimore County?
Yes. Even misdemeanor theft in Maryland carries significant penalties—theft of $100-$1,500 can lead to up to 6 months in jail. A theft defense lawyer Baltimore County can negotiate for PBJ or a dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
What is the difference between theft and larceny in Maryland?
In Maryland, the term “theft” under the current criminal code includes the older common-law crime of larceny. A larceny defense lawyer Baltimore County handles cases under the modern theft statute, which includes various forms of unlawful taking of property.
What happens at the initial appearance for a theft arrest?
After an arrest in Baltimore County, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner at the courthouse in Towson. The commissioner informs you of the charges, sets bail, and schedules your next court date. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
For more information on theft defense, see our Maryland Criminal Defense 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 services as a Baltimore County DUI lawyer or Baltimore County family law attorney.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.