In St. Mary’s County, a second-degree assault charge under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carries up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An experienced St. Mary’s County criminal defense lawyer can negotiate Probation Before Judgment to avoid a formal conviction. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Charges in St. Mary’s County
Maryland criminal law defines offenses in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes all criminal cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for those facing criminal charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources for St. Mary’s County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge for St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense
St. Mary’s County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ after a 3-year waiting period, and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
- 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, Nolle Prosequi, Stet).
In St. Mary’s County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your St. Mary’s County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County builds cases. We provide case-specific strategies for each client.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles complex criminal defense matters in St. Mary’s County. He brings over 25 years of experience and a background in accounting and information systems to financial and tech-related cases.
Case Results in St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Examples of our Maryland criminal defense results include: Possess Child Pornography — 5 Years incarceration with ALL suspended, 5 Years supervised Probation (C.O.M.E.T.); Child Pornography Promote/Distribute — Nolle Prosequi (dismissed).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’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 in St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, either District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County or St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County can negotiate PBJ to avoid a conviction on your record or seek dismissal of charges.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges permanently. Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are favorable dispositions that avoid a conviction. Stet can be expunged immediately; Nolle Prosequi requires no waiting period for expungement.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.