In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal charges range from theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to first-degree assault (up to 25 years) under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate. A public lewdness lawyer Montgomery County can help you understand your options.
What Is Criminal Law in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This statute defines offenses from theft and assault to drug crimes and sex offenses. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Montgomery County Circuit Court. A public lewdness lawyer Montgomery County can explain how these laws apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
For more information, review the Maryland Criminal Law statutes (official Maryland General Assembly) and the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Montgomery County Criminal Defense
Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes all cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: If detained, you get a bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea at your arraignment in District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea, including PBJ.
- Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, or PBJ (3-year wait), you can expunge your record.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification, with incarceration ranging from 90 days to 25 years and fines up to $25,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Possible probation |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible PBJ or expungement |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Montgomery County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ total case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher, our primary attorney for Montgomery County criminal defense, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. She prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts, giving her firsthand insight into how the State builds its cases. This experience allows her to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate favorable outcomes for clients.
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Looking for a public lewdness lawyer near me Montgomery County? We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 and many felonies at District Court of MD for Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Montgomery County?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges completely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are favorable dispositions that can lead to expungement.