Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
Facing a criminal charge in Montgomery County, Maryland, requires immediate action. A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges like assault, theft, and drug offenses in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Defense
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Misdemeanors like second-degree assault can carry up to 10 years in jail, while felonies like theft over $1,500 can result in up to 5 years imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the offense classification and your prior record.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly Statutes
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand how prosecutors build cases and use that insight to construct effective defenses for our clients in Montgomery County.
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Montgomery County website
Montgomery County Court Process and Strategy
In Montgomery County, all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances happen at the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. Felony jury trials proceed to Montgomery County Circuit Court. Prosecutors from the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County handle the cases. A key local strategy involves seeking a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which avoids a formal conviction on your record if successfully completed.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. If granted PBJ, you will be placed on probation instead of receiving a conviction.
- Post-Case Options: Explore expungement eligibility for dismissals, acquittals, or PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period).
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines and probation to significant jail time, depending on the offense classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | Criminal record, restitution |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Protective order, no contact |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Varies | Driver’s license suspension, drug treatment |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Felony record, restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Our firm was founded on the principle of aggressive, knowledgeable advocacy. With a former prosecutor as our founder and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney on our team, we possess unique insight into how the other side builds cases. This allows us to anticipate strategies, challenge evidence effectively, and negotiate from a position of strength. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes, including dismissals and reductions, for clients in Montgomery County.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our approach and results. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include negotiated dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), charges placed on the inactive docket (Stet), and favorable settlements that protect our clients’ futures. Mr. Sris, our founder and managing attorney, brings additional strategic depth with his background as a former prosecutor and his multi-state practice experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Montgomery County, MD
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike), near landmarks like Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center. We provide representation for individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — 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: Criminal Defense in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. 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 at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How can a criminal charge defense lawyer Montgomery County help me?
A criminal charge defense lawyer Montgomery County can protect your rights from the start, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges, and represent you at trial. Early intervention is key to exploring options like PBJ that can avoid a conviction.
What should I look for in a criminal defense lawyer Montgomery County?
Look for a criminal defense lawyer Montgomery County with direct experience in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, knowledge of local prosecutors and judges, and a track record of handling cases similar to yours. Former prosecutor experience can be a significant advantage.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County. If you are facing other legal issues, explore our services for DUI/DWI in Montgomery County or Family Law in Montgomery County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a consultation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.