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. An Expungement Lawyer Washington County can help clear your record after a dismissal or PBJ.
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors (theft under $100: up to 90 days) to felonies (first-degree assault: up to 25 years). The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. A criminal record expungement lawyer Washington County can evaluate your eligibility under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
For the complete statutory framework, see the Maryland Criminal Law Article and the District Court of MD for Washington County website.
Washington County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery and pretrial motions.
- Trial or plea negotiation.
- Post-disposition expungement evaluation.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25-year felony sentences.
| 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 | Firearm prohibition |
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 over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys include former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to every case.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland sex crimes cases, SRIS has achieved dispositions including Nolle Prosequi for child pornography charges and suspended incarceration with supervised probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. The District Court of MD for Washington County is accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, and Route 40. We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Washington County? Our team is available 24/7.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
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. An Expungement Lawyer Washington County can guide you through the process.
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. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a criminal case take in Washington 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 (hub page)
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Washington County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Washington County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Location
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.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.