
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years 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 Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Washington County can protect your rights and future.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The statute covers everything from theft and assault to drug possession and distribution. For a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Washington County, understanding these statutes is the first step in building a defense. The District Court of MD for Washington County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Washington County Circuit Court. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
Review the official Maryland statutes at Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article. Court procedures are available at the District Court of MD for Washington County official website.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: Formal charges are read, and you enter a plea.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence and files pretrial motions.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court; felony trials go to Circuit Court.
- Disposition: Outcomes include dismissal, PBJ, Stet, or conviction with sentencing.
In Washington County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Mandatory firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
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 firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and law enforcement officers who bring insider knowledge to every case.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor). Bar admissions: Maryland, Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. 75% of her practice is dedicated to litigation.
Our secondary attorney, Mr. Sris, is the firm’s founder and managing attorney. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has over 120 years of combined firm experience.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our attorneys have secured dismissals, PBJ dispositions, and reduced charges for clients facing serious criminal allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65. If you need a child sexual abuse lawyer near me Washington County, we are here to help. We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
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.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 Washington County. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How much does an affordable child sexual abuse lawyer Washington County cost?
It depends. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we offer consultation by appointment and payment plans. Fees vary based on case complexity. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a discussion about your specific situation and fee options.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
