Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, MD — What Are Your Options?
A misdemeanor charge in Anne Arundel County is a serious matter under Maryland law, carrying potential jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for charges like assault, theft, and disorderly conduct at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
Maryland Misdemeanor Law and Penalties
In Maryland, misdemeanors are criminal offenses classified less severely than felonies but still carry significant penalties. The specific penalties are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101. Common misdemeanors prosecuted in Anne Arundel County include second-degree assault, theft under $1,500, disorderly conduct, and certain drug possession charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. We understand that a misdemeanor conviction can affect your employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website. For court-specific procedures in Anne Arundel County, visit the District Court of Maryland’s Anne Arundel County directory.
Local Court Process for a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis handles all misdemeanor trials. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). A PBJ disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation, and it can be expunged after a three-year waiting period. This is a critical strategic goal for many clients.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge in District Court.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose sentence. If granted PBJ, you will be placed on probation instead.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal to the Circuit Court or, later, petitioning for expungement.
Potential Penalties for Misdemeanors in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, Maryland misdemeanors carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration. For example, second-degree assault is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, while theft under $1,500 can result in up to 6 months in jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible professional license suspension | Protective order; firearm restrictions |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None typically | Restitution; permanent criminal record |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | None typically | Community service |
| Possession of Controlled Substance (personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory drug assessment; probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Misdemeanor Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases. We combine this insight with a focused approach to building a strong defense. We are familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and procedures at the Anne Arundel County District Court. Our goal is to protect your rights and seek the best possible resolution, whether that is a dismissal, PBJ, or not guilty verdict.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific case results in Anne Arundel County are part of our ongoing practice, firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. These results include dismissals, reductions, and PBJ dispositions. Our approach is collaborative; for complex cases, Kristen Fisher works alongside firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with multi-state experience, to develop a full defense strategy.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Near Me Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Anne Arundel County, including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. We are accessible via major highways including I-97, Route 50, and Route 2.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the District Court where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years) or theft (up to 6 months). An affordable misdemeanor defense lawyer Anne Arundel County can negotiate for a PBJ or dismissal, outcomes that protect your record and future.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your case then proceeds to arraignment and trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court in Annapolis.
How can a misdemeanor defense lawyer Anne Arundel County help me?
A lawyer can protect your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or PBJ, and represent you at trial. Early intervention is key to building a strong defense strategy for your case in Anne Arundel County.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County and with related issues such as DUI defense in Anne Arundel County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current advice regarding your misdemeanor charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.