Prince George's County Theft Lawyer
A theft charge in Prince George's County is graded by the value of what was taken, and that number decides whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony. A conviction also carries a lasting problem: theft is a crime of dishonesty, so it follows you into every job and housing application. FrizWoods has an office in Upper Marlboro, and criminal defense is the only thing we do. For the statewide picture, see our Maryland theft lawyer hub.
Call us 24/7 at (877) 343-1031 or use our contact form for a free consultation.
Max Frizalone
Founding partner of FrizWoods LLC known for courtroom-first strategy and client-focused advocacy.
- Former Prince George's County State's Attorney and Maryland Public Defender.
- Handled serious cases including carjackings, attempted murder, armed robbery, and violent felonies.
- A thoroughly reviewed criminal lawyer with a track record of trial wins in high-stakes felony and misdemeanor cases.
Luke Woods
Veteran trial attorney with decades of criminal defense experience across Maryland courts.
- Over 20 years of experience in Maryland criminal courts
- Handled thousands of cases and 100+ trials.
- Extensive motion practice, jury/bench trials, and complex felony litigation.
How Theft Is Charged in Maryland
Maryland grades theft under Section 7-104 by value:
- Under $100 - a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days.
- $100 to under $1,500 - a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months.
- $1,500 to under $25,000 - a felony carrying up to 5 years.
- $25,000 to under $100,000 - a felony carrying up to 10 years.
- $100,000 or more - a felony carrying up to 20 years.
Related charges we defend include shoplifting, motor vehicle theft, credit card theft, and burglary.
How Theft Cases Move Through the County Courts
Prince George's County is District 5. Misdemeanor theft is tried before a judge in the District Court in Hyattsville or Upper Marlboro. Felony theft moves to the Circuit Court for Prince George's County in Upper Marlboro, where you may have the right to a jury trial.
How We Defend Theft Charges
- Intent. Theft requires an intent to permanently deprive the owner. A genuine mistake, a claim of right, or borrowing is a defense.
- Value. The grade, and the maximum penalty, turns on value. We challenge inflated or unsupported valuations that push a misdemeanor into felony territory.
- The stop and search. Shoplifting cases often rest on a loss-prevention stop and a search. If that was unlawful, the evidence can be suppressed.
- Diversion and record protection. For a first offense, we push for outcomes like PBJ or a dismissal that keeps a theft conviction, which is especially damaging, off your record.
Communities We Serve
We defend theft cases across Prince George's County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Hyattsville, College Park, Laurel, Largo, Clinton, Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shoplifting a felony in Maryland?
Not usually. Most shoplifting is misdemeanor theft under $1,500. It becomes a felony once the value reaches $1,500 or more.
Why is a theft conviction so serious?
Theft is a crime of dishonesty. It can be used against your credibility in future cases and shows up on background checks for jobs, housing, and licensing.
Can a theft charge be expunged?
A dismissal, acquittal, or PBJ can usually be expunged. A conviction generally cannot, which is why the disposition matters so much.
Talk to a Prince George's County Theft Lawyer
If you are facing a theft charge anywhere in Prince George's County, contact us for a free consultation. We also handle the full range of charges on our Prince George's County criminal lawyer page.