Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Are Your Rights?
Maryland Criminal Law in Montgomery County
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Misdemeanors like theft under $1,500 can result in up to 6 months incarceration, while felonies such as first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, handles misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly statutes
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). For court procedures and forms, refer to the District Court of MD for Montgomery County official website (courts.state.md.us).
Montgomery County Court Process
Your case begins with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if you are detained. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes the case.
- Initial Appearance: Appear before a District Court commissioner for bail determination within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: Attend a bail review hearing in District Court if detained, where conditions of release may be modified.
- Arraignment: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere at your formal arraignment.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural or constitutional grounds.
- Negotiation or Trial: Negotiate for a favorable disposition like PBJ or proceed to a bench trial in District Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry a wide penalty range: second-degree assault up to 10 years, theft under $100 up to 90 days, and drug distribution felonies up to 20 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| 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 | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience and a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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. Our approach focuses on achieving dismissals, PBJ dispositions, charge reductions, and expungements where applicable.
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. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
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 can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal at District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Montgomery County?
The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles misdemeanor trials, initial appearances, and bail hearings for all cases. The Montgomery County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials, appeals from District Court, and more complex criminal matters.
Related Legal Resources
State Hub: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
Nearby Counties: Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Other Practice Areas in Montgomery County: Montgomery County DUI/DWI Lawyer | Montgomery County Family Law Lawyer
Attorney Profile: Learn more about Kristen Fisher
Our Maryland Office: Visit our Maryland location 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.
A felon in possession case is one part of our Maryland federal practice, and our page on federal criminal lawyer Maryland covers how these matters are handled.