Trespassing Defense Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Options?
A trespassing charge in St. Mary’s County is a criminal offense under Maryland law, carrying potential jail time and fines. If you are facing a trespass charge, you need a strong defense strategy. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused defense for trespassing and unlawful entry charges in St. Mary’s County.
Maryland Trespassing Law and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Trespassing in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, § 6-402. The law prohibits entering or crossing over the property of another person after receiving notice not to do so. Notice can be verbal, by posted signs, or through fencing. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands how prosecutors in St. Mary’s County build these cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the Maryland trespassing statute, see Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-402 (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures for St. Mary’s County are handled at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Defending a Trespass Charge in St. Mary’s County
Defending a trespass charge often hinges on whether proper notice was given and your intent. In St. Mary’s County District Court, prosecutors must prove you knowingly entered the property without authorization. A common defense is lack of adequate notice—arguing no signs were posted, no fence was present, and no one told you to leave.
- Initial Consultation: Contact our trespassing defense lawyer St Marys County team immediately after receiving a summons or being charged.
- Case Review: We obtain police reports and witness statements to assess the strength of the “notice” given.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: We engage with the prosecutor, often seeking a dismissal or reduction to a non-criminal violation if the notice was deficient.
- Trial Preparation: If a fair plea cannot be reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial at the District Court in Leonardtown.
- Post-Disposition: For eligible outcomes like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), we guide you through the expungement process after the waiting period.
Potential Penalties for Trespassing in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, trespassing is typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, but penalties can increase for trespass on school property or critical infrastructure.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespassing (General) | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Trespass on School Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Enhanced penalties |
| Unlawful Entry (4th Degree Burglary) | Misdemeanor | Up to 3 years | Up to $1,000 | None | Felony if armed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We have a documented record of over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93% firm-wide. Our Maryland team includes former prosecutors who know how the other side builds a case. We provide “Advocacy Without Borders” for every client.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific results in St. Mary’s County are part of our broader practice, our approach is consistent: we meticulously analyze each trespass charge to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, particularly regarding the element of unlawful entry. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for St. Mary’s County Residents
Our Maryland office represents clients at St. Mary’s County courts. We are a trespass charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County residents can rely on, serving Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. Our Rockville location is accessible via major highways to serve Southern Maryland.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Trespassing Defense
Is trespassing a felony in Maryland?
No. Most trespassing offenses in Maryland are misdemeanors. However, penalties can be severe, including up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Trespass with intent to commit a crime may be charged as a more serious offense like burglary.
Can a trespassing charge be dropped in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Prosecutors may drop a trespass charge (enter a Nolle Prosequi) if the evidence of proper notice is weak, the property owner does not wish to prosecute, or as part of a plea agreement on a related charge. An experienced unlawful entry defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can negotiate for a dismissal.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for trespassing?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you complete probation successfully, you avoid a formal conviction. PBJ is available for most misdemeanor trespassing charges and can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Do I need a lawyer for a trespassing misdemeanor?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor trespassing charge can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. A lawyer can challenge the state’s evidence, seek a favorable disposition like PBJ, and protect your rights throughout the process at the District Court in Leonardtown.
What’s the difference between trespassing and unlawful entry?
In Maryland, trespassing generally involves entering property after being told not to. Unlawful entry (often called 4th-degree burglary) involves entering a dwelling, store, or other building with the intent to commit a crime. Unlawful entry carries heavier penalties, up to 3 years in prison.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, we also handle general criminal defense in St. Mary’s County, DUI/DWI defense, and family law matters.
More Maryland Help: For defense in neighboring areas, see our pages for Montgomery County criminal defense and Prince George’s County criminal defense.
Statewide Resource: Learn more about our overall approach on our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal advice regarding your trespassing charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.