Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Are Your Rights?
In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal charges like second-degree assault carry 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. Our former prosecutors provide a strong defense at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. By appointment only.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Rights
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The state’s Justice Reinvestment Act has expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly statutes
Official Legal Resources
Montgomery County Court Process
Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition—it avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance and Bail: After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: At arraignment, you will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery: Your attorney will file pre-trial motions and conduct discovery to review the evidence against you.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County for a favorable disposition like PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines to incarceration, with second-degree assault punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible | Protective order |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible | Mandatory treatment |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case and court discretion.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your case. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to Maryland criminal law. We understand the procedures at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Documented Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, achieving a 95% favorable outcome rate for our clients. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Representation
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center.
We serve the communities of 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 | (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.
Related Legal Resources
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.