
Facing criminal charges in Washington County, Maryland carries serious penalties — second-degree assault alone carries up to 10 years in jail under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, criminal offenses are classified by severity. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for second-degree assault, while felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement eligibility. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation.
For official court information, visit the District Court of MD for Washington County website. Review the full Maryland Criminal Law statutes for complete legal definitions.
In Washington County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. The State’s Attorney for Washington County handles all prosecutions at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
- 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 evidence is exchanged.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties ranging 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 | $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential employment impact |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Felony record, firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring former prosecutorial insight to every criminal defense case in Washington County.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor). Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia. Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. 75% of practice dedicated to litigation.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, who brings over 25 years of experience and a former prosecutor background to every case.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results include dismissals, PBJ dispositions, and reduced charges at District Court of MD for Washington County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65. We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
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.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 Washington County. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Washington County?
It depends. You must wait 3 years from the date of probation completion before filing for expungement of a PBJ in Washington County. The expungement petition is filed with the District Court of MD for Washington County where the case was heard.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
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