In Charles County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties from 90 days to 25 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. Former prosecutors on staff provide experienced criminal defense at District Court of MD for Charles County.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland classifies criminal offenses under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors like theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The District Court of MD for Charles County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Charles County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
For the official Maryland Criminal Law statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article (CR). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Charles County official website.
Insider Knowledge: Charles County Criminal Court Process
In Charles County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on eligible charges. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, PBJ cases qualify for expungement after a 3-year waiting period.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: Formal charges are read; you enter a plea. Misdemeanors proceed in District Court.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence and files pretrial motions.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney or prepares for trial.
- Disposition: Case resolves by dismissal, PBJ, Stet, plea agreement, or trial verdict.
In Charles County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; possible protective order |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Felony record; firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Criminal record; employment barriers |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Charles County Criminal Defense?
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. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Charles County builds cases. Advocacy Without Borders.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex criminal matters in Charles County. His background in accounting and information systems offers a unique advantage in cases involving financial evidence or digital records.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Charles County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span all practice areas across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Your Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Charles County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Charles County courts, accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, and Route 5. We serve La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Charles County? Our team provides representation at District Court of MD for Charles County and Charles County Circuit Court.
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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Charles County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles 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 Charles County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Charles 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 Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at District Court of MD for Charles County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles 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 Charles County. Felonies go to Charles County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Charles County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Charles County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Charles County?
It depends. The waiting period for expungement of a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles County is 3 years from the date the case was placed on the stet docket or from the date of final disposition. After that period, you may file for expungement through the District Court of MD for Charles County.
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.
Learn more about Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer. See also Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer. For related services in Charles County, see DUI Lawyer Charles County and Family Law Lawyer Charles County.