Criminal Defense Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Maryland Criminal Law in Anne Arundel County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The statute defines offenses, classifications, and penalties. In Anne Arundel County, the District Court handles misdemeanors and initial felony appearances, while the Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Local Court Process in Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. 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.
- Initial Appearance: Appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
- Trial or Disposition: Misdemeanors are tried at District Court. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Seek PBJ or dismissal where possible.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, criminal offenses carry a range of penalties: second-degree assault up to 10 years/$2,500; theft under $100 up to 90 days; theft $100-$1,500 up to 6 months; theft $1,500-$25,000 up to 5 years; first-degree assault up to 25 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible protective order |
| 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, felony record |
| 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; actual outcomes depend on case specifics, judge, and prosecutor.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Anne Arundel 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. Our Maryland team includes former Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who understands Anne Arundel County prosecution strategies from the inside. We focus on achieving dismissals, PBJ dispositions, and charge reductions.
Case Results in Anne Arundel County
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County — firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, charge reductions, and successful PBJ dispositions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near 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 a criminal defense lawyer near Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, and surrounding communities.
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 Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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. 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 SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Anne Arundel County?
The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County handles misdemeanor trials, initial felony appearances, bail reviews, and PBJ hearings. The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials, appeals from District Court, and more complex criminal matters. Your case path depends on the charge severity.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.