
In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Maryland can help protect your future.
Maryland law defines criminal offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The classification of an offense — whether misdemeanor or felony — determines the court where your case is heard and the potential penalties you face. Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent offenses. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Maryland understands these statutory distinctions and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
For more information on Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court procedures and forms, see the Maryland Judiciary website.
Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes cases at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner within 24 hours of arrest for bail determination.
- Arraignment: You hear the charges and enter a plea in District Court within 30-90 days.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Negotiation: Your attorney discusses PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial in District Court or you accept a negotiated disposition.
- Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, or PBJ (3-year wait), your attorney files for record expungement.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to multi-year prison sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order; firearm prohibition |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible PBJ |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; possible PBJ |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; protective order |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment evaluation; possible PBJ |
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 handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the law. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. 75% of practice dedicated to litigation.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles cases in Montgomery County. He has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
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.
Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
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, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
If you need a criminal defense lawyer near Montgomery County, our office is conveniently located to serve you.
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
By appointment only.
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.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland?
It depends. PBJ is a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, the charge is not considered a conviction. It is available for many offenses in Montgomery County District Court.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Maryland?
Yes. 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.
How long do I have to wait for a felony trial in Montgomery County?
It depends. Circuit Court felony trials typically take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if detained without indictment.
What happens at my first court appearance in Maryland?
At your initial appearance, a District Court commissioner sets bail. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours.
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.
