In Anne Arundel County, sexual assault charges carry severe 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 conviction can mean years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration. Your defense starts now.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-307 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines sexual assault in the second degree under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-307 as engaging in a sexual act with another person by force, threat, or without consent. This is a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. First-degree sexual assault under § 3-306 involves a weapon, serious physical injury, or multiple participants and carries up to life in prison. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, understands these statutes inside out.
Review the official statute: Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-307 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
In Anne Arundel County District Court, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties in sexual assault cases. The State’s Attorney’s Office has a dedicated sex crimes unit. Your Sexual Assault Lawyer Anne Arundel County must act immediately to preserve evidence and challenge witness credibility. Early intervention often determines the outcome.
- Step 1: Do Not Speak to Police — Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Step 2: Secure Legal Representation — Contact a Sexual Assault Lawyer Anne Arundel County before your first court date. Early representation preserves your rights.
- Step 3: Initial Appearance — You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. Your attorney can argue for release on personal recognizance or reduced conditions.
- Step 4: Preliminary Hearing — Within 30 days if detained, the State must show probable cause. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the case.
- Step 5: Discovery and Motions — Your attorney reviews police reports, forensic evidence, and witness statements. Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges may be filed.
- Step 6: Trial or Negotiation — Cases proceed to trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or Circuit Court (felonies). Your attorney negotiates for dismissal, reduction, or alternative dispositions.
In Anne Arundel County, sexual assault charges carry severe penalties including prison time, fines, and mandatory sex offender registration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Sexual Assault | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $15,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration, loss of professional licenses, firearm prohibition |
| First-Degree Sexual Assault | Felony | Up to life in prison | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Mandatory sex offender registration, loss of professional licenses, firearm prohibition |
| Attempted Sexual Assault | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None directly | Sex offender registration may apply, loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases. For Maryland sex crimes, our primary attorney is Kristen Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who prosecuted cases in both District and Circuit Courts. She brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to every defense strategy.
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland sex crimes cases, our results include:
- Possess Child Pornography (Baltimore County): 5 Years incarceration with ALL suspended. 5 Years supervised Probation specifically C.O.M.E.T.
- Child Pornography Promote/Distribute (Baltimore County): Nolle Prosequi (dismissed).
- Child Pornography Promote/Distribute (Baltimore County): Nolle Prosequi (dismissed).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, Route 301. We serve Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, Millersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (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 court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
After arrest in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401). Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree sexual assault in Maryland?
First-degree sexual assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-306 involves a weapon, serious physical injury, or multiple participants and carries up to life in prison. Second-degree sexual assault under § 3-307 involves force, threat, or lack of consent and carries up to 20 years. Both require mandatory sex offender registration.
Can sexual assault charges be dropped in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County can drop charges through Nolle Prosequi if evidence is weak, witnesses are unavailable, or new information emerges. Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or challenge probable cause. Early intervention by a Sexual Assault Lawyer Anne Arundel County increases the chances of dismissal.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.