In Howard County, criminal charges carry serious 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. An Expungement Lawyer Howard County can help you clear your record after a dismissal or PBJ. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years imprisonment for first-degree assault. The criminal record expungement lawyer Howard County team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands these statutes and how they apply to your case. Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions, making it possible to clear your record after a waiting period.
Review the official Maryland statutes: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes cases at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea at your first court date.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
- Disposition: Options include PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or expungement after case resolution.
In Howard County, criminal charges carry penalties including incarceration, fines, and license suspension 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 | Protective order possible |
| 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 attorneys include former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your defense. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s ability to shape legal precedent. The firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO and Managing Attorney, also handles complex criminal defense matters in Howard County. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and has bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span criminal defense, traffic, DUI, family law, and other practice areas across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. The location is accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a how to clear criminal record lawyer Howard County? Our team is near you.
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 Howard County, Maryland?
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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard County). An Expungement Lawyer Howard County can guide you through the process.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a criminal case take in Howard County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if detained without indictment.
Related pages: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Howard County DUI Lawyer | Howard County Family Law Lawyer
Attorney Profile: Kristen Fisher | Location: Maryland Office
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.