Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal charge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is a serious matter with potential jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. If you need a criminal defense lawyer Anne Arundel County, contact us 24/7.
Maryland Criminal Law Defined
Maryland classifies crimes as felonies or misdemeanors, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 4-101. Felonies are more serious offenses, while misdemeanors are lesser crimes but still carry significant consequences. The specific statute for your charge dictates the maximum penalties you face.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County website.
Local Court Process in Anne Arundel County
All misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances in Anne Arundel County occur at the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. Felony jury trials proceed to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Understanding the local procedures is critical for building an effective defense strategy.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: 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: Your attorney files motions, negotiates with the prosecutor, and reviews evidence (discovery).
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or is resolved through a plea agreement, dismissal (Nolle Prosequi), or PBJ.
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence, which may include probation, fines, or jail time.
- Post-Trial: Options may include appeal or, after a waiting period, filing for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Anne Arundel County, criminal penalties vary widely based on the charge’s classification, from fines and probation to decades in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
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. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. We understand that a criminal charge defense lawyer Anne Arundel County must be both strategically sharp and deeply familiar with local court customs to secure the best possible outcome.
Case Results & Client Experiences
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes (dismissals, reductions, not guilty verdicts). These results demonstrate our systematic approach to building strong defenses. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a unique advantage in financial and technical cases.
Contact Our Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Team
Our Maryland office serves clients throughout Anne Arundel County, including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. We are accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 50, and other major highways.
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
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 and many felonies at the District Court. 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?
It depends on the disposition of your case. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. The petition is filed in the court where the case was heard, such as the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, and (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court. Felonies begin there but go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for jury trial.
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 attorney can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
How can a criminal charge defense lawyer Anne Arundel County help me?
A local defense lawyer understands Anne Arundel County court procedures, prosecutor tendencies, and judge preferences. They can challenge evidence, negotiate for favorable dispositions like PBJ, and guide you on how to beat criminal charges lawyer Anne Arundel County strategies, such as filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related services like DUI defense in Anne Arundel County. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Page last verified and updated: 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.