Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation in Montgomery County, Maryland, with 21 total documented case results across all practice areas and a 95% favorable outcome rate. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Our team includes former prosecutors who understand local court procedures at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Maryland Criminal Law Definition
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies based on the maximum possible sentence. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to 3 years in jail, while felonies can result in imprisonment for more than 3 years, with some serious offenses carrying penalties of 25 years or more. The specific elements of each crime are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR).
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). For court information, forms, and procedures, refer to the District Court of Maryland’s Montgomery County directory (courts.state.md.us).
Montgomery County Criminal Court Process
All misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances in Montgomery County occur at the District Court located at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville. Felony jury trials are handled by the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
- Initial Appearance: Appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: Attend a bail review hearing in District Court if detained, where conditions of release are determined.
- Arraignment: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere at your formal arraignment.
- Trial or Disposition: Proceed to trial for misdemeanors in District Court or negotiate a disposition like PBJ, Nolle Prosequi (dropped charges), or Stet (inactive docket).
Criminal Penalties in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry significant penalties: second-degree assault can result in up to 10 years imprisonment, theft under $100 up to 90 days, and theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None typically | 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 $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums under Maryland law; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the judge and prosecutor.
Our Criminal Defense Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We maintain a focused practice in criminal defense, handling matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies in Montgomery County courts.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, Maryland, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements negotiated at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Local Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We are a criminal defense lawyer near Montgomery County serving 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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
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). 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
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). 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
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. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
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. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Related Legal Services
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas including Prince George’s County and Howard County. In Montgomery County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher or our Maryland office location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.