Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer in Frederick County, Maryland
Petit larceny in Frederick County is a misdemeanor theft offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104, carrying up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented results in Frederick County: 4 dismissed/not guilty, 3 reduced/amended. A petit larceny defense lawyer Frederick County can seek dismissal or Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a conviction.
Maryland Petit Larceny Law
Petit larceny, often called petty theft, is defined in Maryland as the unlawful taking of property valued under $1,500 with the intent to permanently deprive the owner. It is prosecuted as a misdemeanor. The specific statute governing this offense is Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 7-104. The value of the property is the key factor distinguishing petit larceny from felony theft. A skilled petit larceny attorney Frederick County understands how to challenge the state’s evidence on valuation and intent.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Frederick County | Maryland General Assembly
Legal Process & Defense Strategy in Frederick County
All petit larceny cases in Frederick County begin at the District Court located at 100 West Patrick Street. The State’s Attorney for Frederick County prosecutes these cases. A critical local procedural fact is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition. For eligible first-time offenders, a petit larceny attorney Frederick County can argue for PBJ, which results in probation without a formal conviction on your record. After successful completion of probation and a 3-year waiting period, the case may be eligible for expungement.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will review police reports, witness statements, and store security footage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if procedural errors exist.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge, or proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
Potential Penalties for Petit Larceny in Maryland
In Frederick County, petit larceny carries a penalty of up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500, plus court costs and potential restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Larceny (Theft under $1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None directly | Criminal record, difficulty finding employment, restitution. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
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 each case. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing theft charges in Maryland courts. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your record and future.
Case Results in Frederick County
Our firm has 11 documented criminal defense results in Frederick County, including 4 cases dismissed or found not guilty and 3 charges reduced or amended, representing a 64% favorable outcome rate. These results include petit larceny and other theft-related charges. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex cases involving financial evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Frederick County Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer
Our Maryland office represents clients at Frederick County courts. We serve Frederick, Thurmont, Brunswick, Middletown, Emmitsburg, New Market, Urbana, and Walkersville.
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 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frederick County Petit Larceny Defense FAQs
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Frederick 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, including petit larceny, at the District Court of MD for Frederick County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my petit larceny record expunged in Frederick County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period). If you were convicted of petit larceny, expungement may be possible under the Justice Reinvestment Act if it was a non-violent offense and you meet other eligibility requirements. A petty theft attorney Frederick County can review your specific case.
Do I need a lawyer for a petit larceny charge in Frederick County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland petit larceny carries penalties of up to 6 months in jail. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Frederick County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction on record) or seek a dismissal. The potential consequences of a theft conviction on your record make legal representation critical.
What is the difference between petit larceny and felony theft in Maryland?
The key difference is the value of the stolen property. Petit larceny involves property valued under $1,500 and is a misdemeanor. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. A petit larceny defense lawyer Frederick County will scrutinize the state’s evidence regarding the property’s value.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing theft charges in Frederick County, you need a dedicated petit larceny defense lawyer Frederick County. For other legal matters, we also assist with DUI defense in Frederick County and family law matters. Learn more about our Maryland criminal defense practice, or see how we help clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.