Facing criminal charges in Howard County, Maryland carries serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County can help protect your rights and future. Contact us today.
Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The District Court of MD for Howard County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all criminal cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Official Resources
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law Code (Md. Code, Criminal Law Article) for complete statutory definitions. Visit the District Court of MD for Howard County for court procedures, filing fees, and local rules.
Insider Procedural Edge: What You Need to Know About Howard County Courts
Howard County District Court at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
- Initial Appearance: After arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges. Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere).
- Pretrial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery.
- Trial: Misdemeanors tried in District Court. Felonies proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs immediately or at a later date. PBJ, probation, or incarceration possible.
- Appeal: Appeals from District Court go to Circuit Court for trial de novo. Appeals from Circuit Court go to Maryland Court of Special Appeals.
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years incarceration for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment evaluation required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Howard 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 to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have former prosecutors on staff who understand how the State’s Attorney for Howard County builds cases. Our attorneys have deep experience in Maryland criminal courts, including the District Court of MD for Howard County and Howard County Circuit Court.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys have secured dismissals, reductions, and favorable dispositions for clients facing criminal charges in Howard County courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Howard County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175.
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? We serve clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods Served: Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, Laurel (partial).
Availability: 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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — District Court of MD for Howard County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (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 Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Howard County?
It depends. Fees vary based on case complexity, charges, and court level. Misdemeanor cases typically cost less than felony cases. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation about your specific case and fee structure.
Related Practice Areas
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Howard County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Howard County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.