Assault and Battery Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland — What Are Your Defense Options?
An assault and battery charge in St. Mary’s County is a serious criminal offense under Maryland law, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Maryland Assault and Battery Law
In Maryland, assault and battery are distinct but often charged together. Assault refers to the threat or attempt to cause harmful or offensive contact, while battery is the actual unwanted physical contact. These charges are prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. First-degree assault is a felony with a penalty of up to 25 years. The specific facts of your case determine the charge and potential consequences.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s assault laws, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules for St. Mary’s County can be found on the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
Local Court Process for Assault Charges
In St. Mary’s County, all misdemeanor assault and battery cases, including second-degree assault, are handled at the District Court located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. A critical local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). For eligible defendants, a judge can place you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, which avoids a formal conviction on your public record. An experienced assault and battery defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can assess your eligibility for this outcome.
- Initial Appearance: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a possible dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a District Court judge.
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence, which may include PBJ.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal to the Circuit Court or, later, petitioning for expungement.
Potential Penalties for Assault and Battery
In St. Mary’s County, assault and battery penalties range from probation and fines to decades in prison, heavily dependent on the degree of the charge and the specific circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Probation, anger management classes, no contact orders. |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | Lengthy probation, permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights. |
| Battery | Typically Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years* | Up to $2,500* | Often charged as second-degree assault; same penalties apply. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Legal Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We understand that an assault charge can upend your life, affecting employment, family relationships, and your future. Our approach is to build a defense strategy focused on the details of your case, from witness credibility and self-defense claims to procedural challenges of the arrest.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in criminal cases. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, which includes dismissals, reductions, and acquittals. In assault cases, a favorable result often means having the assault charge dismissed lawyer St. Mary’s County efforts succeed, securing a PBJ to avoid a conviction, or reducing the charge to a non-violent offense. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Assault and Battery Lawyer
Our Maryland office represents clients in St. Mary’s County. We serve communities including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. We are accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
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.
Assault and Battery Defense FAQs
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my assault record expunged in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). Expungement of a conviction for a non-violent offense like some second-degree assault cases may be possible under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases are expunged through the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County where the case was heard.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanor assaults carry significant penalties—up to 10 years for second-degree assault. An attorney at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
What is the difference between assault and battery in Maryland?
Assault is the intentional threat or attempt to cause harmful or offensive contact, creating a reasonable fear of imminent harm. Battery is the actual intentional, harmful, or offensive physical contact without consent. They are often charged together, but battery requires physical contact.
What happens after an arrest for assault in St. Mary’s County?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment to enter a plea, (4) pre-trial negotiations and motions, (5) trial if no resolution. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court in Leonardtown.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County, you may also need information on Maryland criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for Montgomery County criminal defense and Prince George’s County criminal defense. For other legal issues in St. Mary’s County, consider DUI defense or family law matters.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.