Felony Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in St. Mary’s County is a serious criminal charge prosecuted in Circuit Court, carrying potential prison time and long-term consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for felony charges, leveraging former prosecutor insight and over 120 years of combined attorney experience.
Maryland Felony Charges and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, felonies are the most serious category of crimes, defined by statutes that authorize a potential sentence of imprisonment for more than one year. The classification and penalties are outlined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 4-101. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building case-specific defenses against these severe allegations.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website. Court procedures and information for St. Mary’s County are available through the Maryland Judiciary’s District Court directory.
Local Court Process for a Felony Charge in St. Mary’s County
Facing a felony charge in St. Mary’s County involves a multi-stage process primarily in the Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. An initial appearance and bail review occur at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown), but the case proceeds to Circuit Court for indictment, arraignment, and potential jury trial.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: If charged by a statement of charges, a hearing is held to determine if probable cause exists to send the case to the grand jury.
- Grand Jury Indictment: Most felonies proceed via a grand jury indictment, which formally charges you.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You are formally read the indictment and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, etc.) in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions and exchanges evidence (discovery) with the prosecution.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges
In St. Mary’s County, a felony conviction can result in significant prison time, substantial fines, and lasting collateral consequences that affect employment, housing, and civil rights.
| Offense Examples (Md. Code, CR) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 (§ 7-104(g)) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Restitution, criminal record |
| First-Degree Assault (§ 3-202) | Felony | Up to 25 years | — | Violent crime record, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution (§ 5-608) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Mandatory minimums possible, driver’s license suspension |
| Burglary in the First Degree (§ 6-202) | Felony | Up to 20 years | — | Strike offense, parole restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented track record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide, the firm brings substantial resources to felony defense. The team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases, which is invaluable for a serious criminal charge lawyer St. Mary’s County.
Case Results and Approach
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. actively practices in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes (dismissals, reductions, not guilty verdicts). For felony cases, the defense strategy is led by attorneys like Kristen Fisher and firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice. Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every angle is examined.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near St. Mary’s County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges at St. Mary’s County courts. We are accessible from Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. If you need a felony defense lawyer St Marys County, contact us for a consultation.
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 (Felony Defense)
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes, PBJ is available for many felonies. It is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction on your record at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my felony record expunged in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
It depends on the disposition and the offense. 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a felony arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After a felony arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment, (4) arraignment in Circuit Court, (5) pre-trial motions and discovery, (6) trial or plea. Felonies are tried at St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Maryland felonies carry severe penalties—theft $1,500-$25,000 carries up to 5 years, first-degree assault up to 25 years. An attorney at St. Mary’s County Circuit Court can challenge evidence, negotiate for reduced charges or PBJ, and protect your rights at every stage.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for a felony?
In St. Mary’s County, the District Court handles initial appearances, bail, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The Circuit Court is where felony cases are formally indicted, arraigned, and tried by a jury. All felony trials and sentencings occur in Circuit Court.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Anne Arundel County. If you are also dealing with a related matter, consider our St. Mary’s County DUI defense services.
Page 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.