Theft Lawyer in Prince George's County
Prince George's County handles a significant volume of theft cases, from shoplifting arrests at Bowie Town Center and Prince George's Plaza to felony theft investigations pursued by the State's Attorney's Office in Upper Marlboro. The range of these cases is enormous, and so is the range of consequences. A misdemeanor theft can mean up to six months in jail and a permanent mark on your record. A felony theft can mean years in prison and lasting damage to your employment and housing prospects.
Whatever level of charge you are facing, the outcome is not decided the day you are arrested. It is decided in the courtroom, and that is where FrizWoods shows up.
How Maryland Theft Law Works in Prince George's County
Maryland's general theft statute, Md. Code, Crim. Law Section 7-104, covers a wide range of conduct under one umbrella. The State can prove theft through:
- Taking control of property by concealment, deception, or use
- Knowingly possessing stolen property
- Taking possession of property known to be lost or misdirected
- Obtaining services by deception or without consent
What matters most for your case is the value of the alleged theft, because that determines whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, and exactly how serious the exposure is.
Theft Penalties in Prince George's County
Under Maryland law, here is the breakdown:
| Value | Classification | Max Jail | Max Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $100 | Misdemeanor | 90 days | $500 |
| $100 to $1,500 | Misdemeanor | 6 months (1 year on 2nd offense) | $500 |
| $1,500 to $25,000 | Felony | 5 years | $10,000 |
| $25,000 to $100,000 | Felony | 10 years | $15,000 |
| Over $100,000 | Felony | 20 years | $25,000 |
Most shoplifting and retail theft cases in Prince George's County fall into the first two tiers. The theft under $100 and $100 to $1,500 tier are misdemeanors, but that does not mean they are minor. A conviction appears on your criminal record, can affect background checks for jobs and housing, and can complicate immigration status. Read the full theft penalty breakdown here.
When multiple incidents are alleged, the State may attempt to aggregate the values and push the charge into felony territory. That is a common tactic in shoplifting cases involving multiple trips to the same store or theft cases with multiple alleged victims.
Where Theft Cases Are Heard in Prince George's County
District Court in Prince George's County handles the majority of misdemeanor and some felony theft cases. District Courts are located in Upper Marlboro, Hyattsville, and Bowie, depending on where the arrest occurred.
Felony theft above $1,500 often ends up in the Prince George's County Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro. Circuit Court proceedings are more formal, involve discovery obligations, and give defendants the right to a jury trial. The Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office is an aggressive prosecutor's office, and felony theft cases there are handled seriously.
FrizWoods knows both court systems in Prince George's County. Upper Marlboro criminal defense, Hyattsville criminal defense, and Bowie criminal defense cases are all part of our regular caseload.
Defending Theft Charges in Prince George's County
Every theft case has specific facts, and those facts determine what defenses are available. Here are the most common ways FrizWoods approaches these cases:
Challenging the Identification
Many theft cases, especially shoplifting arrests, rely on a loss prevention officer's identification or surveillance footage. Loss prevention staff sometimes get it wrong. Surveillance footage can be ambiguous. An attorney who reviews that footage critically, rather than assuming the State's interpretation is correct, can identify real weaknesses.
Disputing the Value
The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony theft in Prince George's County is the value of what was allegedly taken. If the State's valuation is inflated, inaccurate, or improperly aggregated from separate incidents, challenging that number can change the entire charge. The State must prove value as an element of the offense.
Suppressing Evidence
If Prince George's County Police did not have a lawful basis for the stop, search, or arrest, evidence obtained as a result can be challenged through a motion to suppress. This is especially relevant in cases where police stopped a defendant based on a tip or a description that did not give sufficient probable cause.
Statutory Defenses
Maryland law recognizes a good faith claim of right as a defense to theft, meaning that if you genuinely believed you had a right to the property, that belief can defeat the intent element the State must prove. Similarly, showing that you acted on an honest mistaken belief can defeat a theft charge even when the facts otherwise look unfavorable.
Negotiated Outcomes
Many Prince George's County theft cases, particularly first-offense misdemeanors, can be resolved through a probationary outcome, restitution payment, or diversion that avoids a conviction. An attorney who regularly practices in PG County knows which prosecutors are open to negotiated resolutions and how to present your case in the most favorable way.
Shoplifting and Retail Theft in Prince George's County
Prince George's County has significant retail traffic along Route 301, Route 1, and at shopping centers like Bowie Town Center, Prince George's Plaza, and Marlow Heights. Shoplifting arrests at these locations are common, and retailers in the county aggressively pursue civil demand letters in addition to criminal charges.
A shoplifting charge in Prince George's County is handled the same as any theft charge under the criminal statute, with the classification determined by the value of the merchandise. What is different is that retail stores often have their own loss prevention protocols, and mistakes in how they stop, detain, and identify shoplifting suspects happen regularly.
If you received a civil demand letter from a retailer after a shoplifting arrest, do not pay it without speaking to a lawyer. The civil and criminal cases are separate, and what you do in one can affect the other.
The Impact of a Theft Conviction in Prince George's County
A theft conviction, even for a first-time misdemeanor, can follow you for years. Employers run background checks. Landlords check criminal records. Professional licensing boards ask about theft convictions. And unlike some other criminal charges, theft convictions carry a stigma of dishonesty that makes employers and licensing boards look especially hard.
If you have a prior theft conviction, talk to us about expungement. In some cases, a dismissed charge or a PBJ can be expunged from your record after a waiting period.
Contact FrizWoods for a Prince George's County Theft Defense
Max Frizalone is a former Prince George's County Assistant State's Attorney. He knows how theft cases are built by the PG County State's Attorney's Office because he built them. That experience translates directly into a sharper defense when your case goes to court.
Contact us for a free consultation. We answer 24/7.
FAQs
Q: Is shoplifting a felony or misdemeanor in Prince George's County?
A: It depends on the value of the merchandise. Shoplifting property worth less than $100 is a misdemeanor with a maximum of 90 days. Shoplifting $100 to $1,500 is also a misdemeanor, with a maximum of 6 months. Above $1,500, theft becomes a felony. Read more on our shoplifting lawyer page.
Q: Can the State aggregate multiple shoplifting incidents into a single felony charge in Prince George's County?
A: Yes. The State's Attorney can argue that multiple theft incidents from the same location, or incidents that form part of a common scheme, should be aggregated to reach the felony threshold. Challenging aggregation is one of the key defense strategies in these cases.
Q: Will a first theft conviction stay on my record permanently in Maryland?
A: A conviction stays unless you qualify for expungement. A case resolved by PBJ or dismissal may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period. Review the expungement requirements and speak with a lawyer about your specific situation.
Q: What should I do if I was wrongly accused of theft in Prince George's County?
A: Do not make statements to police or store security. Do not sign anything. Contact a lawyer immediately. Evidence like receipts, bank records, surveillance footage, and witness accounts can establish your innocence, but that evidence needs to be preserved quickly.