Criminal Defense Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Facing criminal charges in Anne Arundel County, Maryland? Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, penalties range from civil citations to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact a Public Lewdness Lawyer Anne Arundel County today.
Understanding Criminal Law in Anne Arundel County
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law covers a wide range of offenses from theft and assault to drug crimes and sex offenses. The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s deep understanding of criminal procedure.
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Insider Procedural Edge for Anne Arundel County Criminal Cases
Anne Arundel County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 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.
- Pretrial motions and discovery phase.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet).
In Anne Arundel County, criminal charges carry penalties 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 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, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation possible |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum sentencing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results in Anne Arundel County
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services in Anne Arundel County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301. We are near Annapolis (State Capital), U.S. Naval Academy, Arundel Mills, BWI Airport, Glen Burnie Town Center, and Severna Park.
Looking for a public lewdness lawyer near me Anne Arundel County? We serve Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
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.
We offer affordable public lewdness lawyer Anne Arundel County services with payment plans available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
After arrest in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401). Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Anne Arundel County?
District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes in both courts. District Court is at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Anne Arundel County?
3 years. After completing probation for a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, you must wait 3 years before filing for expungement in Anne Arundel County. The waiting period starts from the date the PBJ was entered.
Related Resources
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.