Prince George’s County Identity Theft Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Identity theft is a serious felony under Maryland law, carrying severe penalties. If you are facing identity theft charges in Prince George’s County, you need an experienced identity theft lawyer Prince Georges County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Identity Theft Laws & Penalties
In Maryland, identity theft is prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 8-301. The law defines the offense as knowingly and willfully obtaining, possessing, or using personal identifying information of another person without consent to commit a crime or obtain a benefit. This includes using another person’s name, Social Security number, driver’s license number, bank account details, or credit card numbers.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in dissecting the financial and digital evidence often central to identity theft cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Maryland identity theft statute, review Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 8-301 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and filing information for Prince George’s County can be found on the Maryland Courts District Court directory.
Local Court Process for Identity Theft Charges in Prince George’s County
An identity theft charge in Prince George’s County typically begins in the District Court for initial appearances and misdemeanor trials, while felony cases proceed to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which avoids a formal conviction, may be available for certain first-time offenders, depending on the circumstances and the value of the fraud.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and conduct an independent investigation.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate for a reduction or dismissal, or prepare for a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, your lawyer will advocate for the most favorable sentence, which may include alternatives to incarceration.
Potential Penalties for Identity Theft in Maryland
In Prince George’s County, identity theft is a felony punishable by imprisonment, fines, and mandatory restitution to victims. The specific penalties depend on the value of the goods, services, or credit obtained or the extent of the harm caused.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Theft (General) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $25,000 | Restitution, permanent criminal record |
| Aggravated Identity Theft (against vulnerable adult, etc.) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $25,000 | Enhanced restitution, no parole for first 2 years |
| Federal Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028) | Federal Felony | 2-year mandatory minimum, consecutive to other sentences | Court-determined | Federal supervised release, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Identity Theft Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which is directly applicable to defending complex identity fraud cases. We understand how to challenge digital evidence, financial records, and the prosecution’s theory of intent. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Our team approach means your case benefits from multiple perspectives. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex identity theft defenses, leveraging his unique background in financial systems.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm’s approach to identity theft defense focuses on scrutinizing the evidence of intent, challenging the chain of custody for digital data, and negotiating for alternative resolutions when appropriate. We actively practice in Prince George’s County and are familiar with the local prosecutors and judges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Identity Theft Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland office in Rockville serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and Route 4.
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 — meetings by appointment only. If you need an identity fraud defense lawyer Prince George’s County or a stolen identity charge lawyer Prince George’s County, call us now.
Prince George’s County Identity Theft Lawyer FAQ
What should I do if I am arrested for identity theft in Prince George’s County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact an identity theft lawyer Prince Georges County as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Can I go to jail for identity theft in Maryland?
Yes. Identity theft is a felony in Maryland punishable by up to 5 years in prison for a general violation and up to 10 years for aggravated identity theft. A strong defense is essential to seek a reduced sentence or alternative disposition.
What are common defenses to identity theft charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you did not knowingly use another’s identity), mistaken identity, consent from the alleged victim, insufficient evidence linking you to the crime, and violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest.
Is identity theft a state or federal crime?
It can be both. Maryland has its own identity theft laws. Federal authorities may also prosecute under 18 U.S.C. § 1028, especially if the crime involves interstate commerce, government agencies, or is part of a larger organized fraud scheme.
What is the difference between identity theft and identity fraud?
In practical terms, the phrases are often used interchangeably. Legally, “identity fraud” is often the act of using the stolen identity to deceive and obtain a benefit, which is the core action that completes the crime of identity theft. An identity fraud defense lawyer Prince George’s County defends against these specific allegations.
For more information on related defenses, see our pages on Prince George’s County Criminal Defense and Federal Criminal Defense in Prince George’s County. Our main hub for Maryland defense is Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.