Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Legal Options?
If you are facing a criminal charge in Prince George’s County, you need a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer Prince Georges County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. We have extensive experience in the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. Our firm-wide results include 4,739+ documented case outcomes. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Charges
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Penalties vary widely. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in jail and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. The specific statute applied to your case determines the potential consequences.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom. This prosecutorial insight is a key advantage when building a defense strategy for your criminal charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County case.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures and local rules for Prince George’s County can be found on the District Court of Maryland website.
Local Court Process in Prince George’s County
All misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances for Prince George’s County occur at the District Court at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro. A critical local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). PBJ is a disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction on your record. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction commonly use PBJ, Nolle Prosequi (dropping charges), and Stet (inactive docket) dispositions. Understanding how to beat criminal charges lawyer Prince George’s County strategies often involves securing one of these favorable outcomes.
- 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 file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a dismissal or favorable plea.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. For eligible offenses, your attorney will argue for a PBJ disposition.
- Expungement: After a waiting period (3 years for PBJ), you may petition the court to expunge the record of the case.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Prince George’s County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the offense classification and specific circumstances of the case.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment, probation |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We focus on providing clear, direct representation. Our approach is based on thorough case preparation and understanding local court procedures. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor who has personally handled complex criminal matters across multiple states.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results for clients. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ cases with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and acquittals. In Maryland, our team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher and firm founder Mr. Sris, has successfully navigated the local courts. For instance, we have secured Nolle Prosequi (dismissals) in serious cases and negotiated Probation Before Judgment to avoid convictions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Rockville location serves clients at Prince George’s County courts. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and other major highways. If you are searching for a criminal defense lawyer near Upper Marlboro, Bowie, or College Park, we can help. We serve communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s 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 are expunged through the Prince George’s County court where the case was heard. An attorney can guide you through the petition process.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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 the District Court in Upper Marlboro. Felonies go to Prince George’s County Circuit Court. An attorney can represent you at every stage.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years). An attorney at the District Court can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, protect your rights during questioning, and challenge the evidence against you. The potential consequences make legal counsel essential.
How can a criminal defense lawyer Prince Georges County help me?
A lawyer analyzes the evidence for weaknesses, files pre-trial motions to suppress illegal evidence, negotiates with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges, represents you at all court hearings, and provides a defense at trial if necessary. Their goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, which could mean teaching you how to beat criminal charges.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Howard County. If you are facing other legal issues in Prince George’s County, explore our services for DUI/DWI defense or family law matters. Learn more about Kristen Fisher’s background or our Maryland office location.
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 case.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.