Charged with Theft in Maryland?
Protect your record and job. Former prosecutors building smart defenses for theft, shoplifting, and fraud cases.
Results based on internal tracking since 2022; outcomes vary. Not a guarantee.
Verified internally; last updated: Jul 12, 2026.
Maryland Theft Defense | Get a Free Consultation Today
Theft charges can mean jail, fines, and a lasting record. That's where FrizWoods comes in. Our experience and knowledge of the legal system stands in the way of the State's efforts to derail your future over.
Smart defenses focus on intent, identification, search issues, and restitution. We appear in District and Circuit Courts across Maryland and work quickly to protect your job and your record. Talk with a lawyer now.
Meet Our Experienced Maryland Theft Lawyers
Max Frizalone
Experienced in defending complex theft cases, Max has successfully argued for dismissals and acquittals in Maryland courts.
- Former prosecutor in Prince George's County with deep knowledge of theft laws.
- Skilled in challenging forensic financial evidence in embezzlement and fraud cases.
Luke Woods
A seasoned trial attorney with decades of experience defending theft cases at trial.
- Former public defender with extensive knowledge of Maryland theft laws.
- Has defended high-profile theft and fraud cases with strategic legal tactics.
What counts as "theft" in Maryland?
Q: What does the law call "theft"?
A: Maryland's general theft law covers taking property without authorization, using deception to obtain property, possessing stolen goods, and obtaining services without paying. The State must prove you acted with intent to deprive the owner. See Md. Code, Crim. Law sECTION 7-104.
Q: What about a "theft scheme"?
A: Multiple takings that are part of one plan may be added together to set the charge level. That aggregation rule can move a case from misdemeanor to felony.
Read more: What is a Theft Scheme in Maryland?
Penalties for theft in Maryland
| Value of property | Charge | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days jail and $500 fine |
| $100 to less than $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months jail and $500 fine (up to 1 year for a second conviction) |
| $1,500 to less than $25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years and $10,000 fine |
| $25,000 to less than $100,000 | Felony | Up to 10 years and $15,000 fine |
| $100,000 or more | Felony | Up to 20 years and $25,000 fine |
Watch the repeat-offender trap: under Section 7-104(g), a person with two or more prior theft convictions who picks up a new theft under $1,500 faces up to 5 years and a $5,000 fine even though the new case would otherwise be a low-level misdemeanor.
Misdemeanor theft, explained by tier:
- Theft under $100 in Maryland: the 90-day tier, common in self-checkout and small retail cases.
- Theft between $100 and $1,500: the 6-month tier, where most shoplifting cases land.
- Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor theft? Short answer: the record consequences say yes.
Penalties can also include restitution, probation, and collateral fallout for jobs, licensure, and immigration. Learn how judges think about sentencing and mitigation in our page on bail review and pretrial release.
Common Maryland theft cases we handle
- Retail and self checkout cases. See our focused page on shoplifting defense.
- Employee theft and embezzlement. Often document heavy and intent driven. We challenge loss totals and paper trails. Visit our page on embezzlement charges.
- Credit card and online fraud. When allegations involve devices or logins, start here: cybercrime and fraud defense.
- Car and parts theft. For vehicle specific charges, see motor vehicle theft.
- Rental return issues. If a return date was missed, read more about failure to return rental property.
How we beat theft charges
Q: Can lack of intent win a theft case?
A: Yes. A mistake, misunderstanding at checkout, or a reasonable belief you had a right to the property can defeat the intent element.
Q: What if the State's proof is thin?
A: Many cases rely on assumptions or unclear video. We press the State on identification, chain of custody, and whether the loss value is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Q: Can search issues help?
A: If police overstepped, we file motions to suppress. Excluding seized items can collapse the State's case.
Q: Will restitution help me?
A: Early repayment, receipts, and verified loss figures can support dismissals, reductions, or Probation Before Judgment outcomes when the facts allow.
What to do in the first 10 days
- Do not contact store security or the alleged victim on your own.
- Save receipts and bank statements. They matter for value and intent.
- Write down names of witnesses and locations of cameras.
- Call us early for a plan that covers court, restitution, and job concerns. Start with a free consultation.
Why Choose FrizWoods for Maryland Theft Defense
- Former prosecutors who know how theft cases are charged and negotiated.
- Trial ready for District Court and jury trials in Circuit Court.
- Client first communication with clear next steps and timelines.
- Reviews that speak for themselves. Read our recent client reviews.
Where we appear
We regularly defend theft and shoplifting cases in Anne Arundel County, Prince George's County, Howard County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore area courts. If your case began with a same day bail decision, see our quick explainer on bail review and pretrial release.
Real Client Experiences
Read what our clients have to say about their experiences with FrizWoods LLC. Their stories highlight our dedication to achieving favorable outcomes in DUI cases:
Katherine Mason
★★★★★Great to work with Max very professional and knowledgeable. Made me aware of all the outcomes before retaining, very upfront which made me trust him no hidden agenda. I would retain him again. Excellent Attorney that you can trust.
David Smith
★★★★★Took care of all my needs always had an open line of communication strong presence in the courtroom I would most definitely use them again
Raequan Reaves
★★★★★These two guys were great! Never promised me anything but they will fight until the end. They were upfront and honest. I wouldn't hesitate using these guys again if needed. They made me feel comfortable so I knew I could trust them
William Lee
★★★★★Max and Luke are amazing lawyers. I had a lot of anxiety about my case. Both put me at ease, provided me a mitigation plan and went to work in the court room. My case was totally dismissed. If you need a defense attorney who really looks out for their clients you better call Max and Look. Outstanding criminal defense!!!!!!
Ready to protect your record?
A theft conviction can follow you for years. Get a plan before your first court date. Call or message us today for a free consultation: Contact FrizWoods Criminal Defense.
FAQs
Q: Will a first offense theft case ruin my record?
A: Not always. Outcomes range from dismissal to PBJ to conviction. Early mitigation and clean paperwork often create better options. Read our quick guide on resolving Maryland theft charges.
Q: Do I need a lawyer if the store is asking for civil recovery money?
A: Speak with counsel first. Civil demands are separate from the criminal case and paying them does not guarantee dismissal.
Q: What if the property was returned?
A: Return can help with intent, value, and mitigation, but it does not automatically end the case. We package proof of return and restitution for the prosecutor and the court.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for theft in Maryland?
A: It depends on the charge. For misdemeanor theft, the general statute of limitations is one year from the date of the alleged crime. For felony theft, there is no prescribed statute of limitations.
Q: How is theft different from robbery or burglary?
A: Robbery and burglary both involve an underlying theft. Robbery adds the use of force or threat of force against a person; burglary involves breaking and entering a structure to commit a crime inside. Theft alone involves neither force nor entry.
Q: Are there statutory defenses to theft?
A: Yes. Maryland law recognizes acting under a good faith claim of right to the property, an honest belief that you had the right to obtain or control it, the spousal property rule (unless the spouses were living apart), and rightful knowledge of a trade secret in trade secret cases.
Q: Can I expunge a theft charge?
A: Eligibility depends on the outcome and waiting periods. We will map out the steps after your case ends.
The Theft, Property & Fraud Library
Theft charges by type
- Theft under $100 and theft $100 to $1,500
- Felony theft thresholds: how much stolen is a felony
- Shoplifting defense and going to court for shoplifting
- Motor vehicle theft, joyriding, and unauthorized removal
- Credit card theft and credit card fraud
- Embezzlement and fraud and bad checks
Burglary and robbery
- Burglary degrees explained and the burglary defense hub
- First degree burglary and breaking and entering
- Robbery and armed robbery
- Rogue and vagabond
Property and white collar
- Trespass and malicious destruction
- Property crimes overview and arson
- White collar defense, cybercrime, and bribery
- Obstruction of justice, perjury, witness tampering, and extortion
Strategy reading
- Maryland theft charges explained and 4th degree theft
- What is a theft scheme? and organized retail theft
- Robbery vs. burglary vs. theft
- How to beat a robbery case and how to beat a burglary charge
- Do I need a lawyer for misdemeanor theft?