In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County courts. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights and future. Contact us today.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. This body of law defines offenses ranging from theft and assault to drug crimes and sex offenses. The Maryland Code classifies crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties determined by the specific statute violated. Understanding the exact statute you are charged under is the first step in building a defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has extensive experience interpreting and challenging these statutes in Montgomery County courts.
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes cases here. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that 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.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Trial or plea negotiation.
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi).
In Montgomery County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification, ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
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 documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State builds cases against you.
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Montgomery County? We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
In Maryland, a misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in jail, though some carry more. A felony is punishable by more than 1 year in prison. The classification affects where your case is heard: misdemeanors in District Court, felonies in Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.