Facing criminal charges in Montgomery County, Maryland carries serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. A former prosecutor on staff can help you understand your defense options. Contact us today.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The classification determines the potential penalties and the court where your case will be heard. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison, while first-degree assault is a felony with up to 25 years. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources and Legal References
For the most current legal information, review the official Maryland Criminal Law Code (CR). You can also find procedural rules and court information on the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County website.
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders. This disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner for bail review within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea. This typically occurs within 30 days.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the evidence the State’s Attorney has against you.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a PBJ, Stet, or reduced charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial in District Court.
In Montgomery County, criminal penalties range from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Potential protective order |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal 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 team has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, leads our criminal defense practice. Her firsthand prosecutorial experience provides a unique advantage in building your defense strategy.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location and Service Area
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355.
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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. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Montgomery County
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. An attorney can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland?
It depends. PBJ is a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. After a 3-year waiting period, you may be eligible for expungement under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
How long does a criminal case take in Montgomery County?
30-90 days for a District Court misdemeanor from arraignment to trial. Felony cases in Circuit Court typically take 3-12 months, with a 180-day speedy trial rule applying.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Maryland?
Yes. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
What is the difference between a Stet and a Nolle Prosequi?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket; if you stay out of trouble for a set period, the charges may be dismissed.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County DUI Lawyer
- Montgomery County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.