Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
Maryland Criminal Law in Montgomery County
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). In Montgomery County, the District Court handles misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances, while the Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Maryland Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, refer to the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Montgomery County Criminal Court Process
Your case begins with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court; felonies move to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- 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.
- Arraignment: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest at arraignment.
- Trial or Disposition: Proceed to trial or negotiate a disposition like PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet.
Montgomery County Criminal Penalties
In Montgomery County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from 90 days to 25 years incarceration, depending on the charge classification and specific statute.
| 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 $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None typically | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None typically | Restitution, felony record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None typically | Violent felony record |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug assessment, treatment |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Court costs in Montgomery County District Court are approximately $22.50-$55. Bail is set by the commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions.
Our Experience in Montgomery County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We focus on criminal defense in Montgomery County, handling cases at both the District Court and Circuit Court levels.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These include dismissals, reductions, and PBJ dispositions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Montgomery County
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. We represent individuals in 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
(301) 363-4040 | (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
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.
More Legal Resources
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 like DUI/DWI defense and family law.
Learn more about Kristen Fisher or visit our Maryland office page.
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.