Felony Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
A felony charge in St. Mary’s County is a serious criminal charge under Maryland law, carrying potential prison time and long-term consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for felony cases at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County and the Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. Felonies are classified by degree, with penalties outlined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Theft over $1,500, first-degree assault, and drug distribution are common felony charges in St. Mary’s County. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, has extensive experience handling these serious cases. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides an advantage in complex cases.
Maryland Felony Law and Court Process
Maryland’s criminal code defines felonies and their penalties. For official statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article on the Maryland General Assembly website. Court procedures for St. Mary’s County are managed by the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County for initial appearances and the Circuit Court for trials.
Facing a felony charge involves specific steps in St. Mary’s County:
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a hearing is held within 30 days if you are detained without an indictment to determine if there is probable cause.
- Grand Jury Indictment or Information: The State’s Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury, which issues an indictment, or files a charging document called an information.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You are formally read the charges in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to challenge evidence and reviews all discovery provided by the prosecution.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, a felony conviction carries severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime record, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums, asset forfeiture |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Stigma as a crime against habitation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Serious Criminal Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach to a serious criminal charge in St. Mary’s County is direct and focused on the details of your case.
Case Results for Felony and Serious Charges
Our firm has a documented history of results in complex cases. For instance, our team has secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious charges such as child pornography distribution in Maryland. In another case, we negotiated a result of 5 years of incarceration, all suspended, with supervised probation for a possession charge. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex felony defense matters, bringing his unique background in accounting and systems to financial and technical cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near St. Mary’s County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, including the District Court at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. We represent individuals in communities throughout the county, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
24/7 Phone Consultations: (888) 437-7747
Meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Felony Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes, PBJ is available. It is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction on your record for many misdemeanors and felonies in St. Mary’s County District Court.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
It depends on the disposition of your case. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after a 3-year wait), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. The process is filed in the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail, (2) bail review within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years). An attorney can negotiate for a PBJ disposition to avoid a conviction on your record or seek a dismissal of the charges.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for a felony charge?
In St. Mary’s County, felony cases begin in District Court for an initial appearance and preliminary hearing. The case is then transferred to Circuit Court for arraignment and any jury trial. District Court handles misdemeanor trials fully.
For more information on related legal services, see our pages for Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer, Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County, and DUI/DWI Lawyer St. Mary’s County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.