In St. Mary’s County, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Sextortion Defense Lawyer St Marys County can protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Charges in St. Mary’s County
Maryland classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include theft under $100 (up to 90 days) and second-degree assault (up to 10 years). Felonies include first-degree assault (up to 25 years) and drug distribution (up to 20 years). The Sextortion Defense Lawyer St Marys County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands these statutes. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge for St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, you can seek expungement after a 3-year waiting period.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where both sides exchange evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or disposition (PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction).
In St. Mary’s County, criminal charges carry penalties from civil citations to 25 years in prison, depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your St. Mary’s County Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, leads our criminal defense practice in St. Mary’s County. Her prosecutorial experience provides unique insight into how the State’s Attorney builds cases. Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute), oversees all complex criminal matters.
Case Results in St. Mary’s County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. This includes dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services in St. Mary’s County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes. 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. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes. 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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 St. Mary’s County. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a Sextortion charge and other extortion charges in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Sextortion involves threats to release intimate images or videos unless the victim complies with demands. This differs from general extortion, which involves threats of physical harm or property damage. Both carry serious felony penalties under Maryland law.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.