Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation in Montgomery County, Maryland. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article; the firm has 21 documented case results in this locality. Our former prosecutors understand the strategies of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office. By appointment only.
Maryland Criminal Law in Montgomery County
Criminal charges in Montgomery County are prosecuted under Maryland state law, primarily the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors like disorderly conduct to felonies like first-degree assault, which can result in up to 25 years imprisonment. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances, while the Montgomery County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). Information about court procedures and locations for Montgomery County can be found on the Maryland Courts website (courts.state.md.us).
Montgomery County Court Process
The criminal process in Montgomery County begins with an arrest and initial appearance before a District Court commissioner. The commissioner sets bail based on the alleged offense and your ties to the community. A bail review hearing is held within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Initial Appearance and Bail: Appear before a District Court commissioner who will set bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate for a favorable disposition like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
- Trial or Disposition: Proceed to trial or accept a negotiated plea agreement. Misdemeanor trials are held in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry a wide range of penalties, from fines and probation to decades of imprisonment, depending on the classification and specifics of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible for certain offenses | Protective order, probation |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None typically | Restitution, probation |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None typically | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (Non-Marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Drug treatment, probation |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the judge and prosecutor.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm’s attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. With a documented history of 4,739+ case results firm-wide and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, our approach is built on deep procedural knowledge and strategic defense. Global advocacy. Local precision.
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, maintaining a 95% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this jurisdiction. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Serving the Montgomery County Area
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). As a criminal defense lawyer near Montgomery County, we represent individuals from 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?
Yes. 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.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for criminal cases?
The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The Montgomery County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Procedures, judges, and timelines differ between the two courts.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you are facing other charges in Montgomery County, consider our pages on DUI defense or family law matters. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures can change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.