Felony Defense Lawyer Maryland — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Maryland is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison and lasting consequences. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, felonies include assault, theft over $1,500, and drug distribution. A felony defense lawyer Maryland from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge evidence and negotiate for reduced charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland legislature URL
Maryland Felony Charges and Law
In Maryland, a felony is the most serious category of crime, distinct from a misdemeanor. The classification and penalties are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Felonies such as first-degree assault, robbery, burglary, and theft of property valued over $1,500 carry severe penalties, including potential imprisonment in a state correctional facility. The specific statute applied depends on the alleged criminal act. A felony charge defense lawyer Maryland understands these statutes and how prosecutors must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal laws, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures and local rules can be found on the Maryland Judiciary website.
Local Court Process for a Felony Charge
The process for a felony in Maryland typically begins in the District Court for an initial appearance and bail review. A preliminary hearing may be held to determine if there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed. The case is then forwarded to the Circuit Court for trial. In Montgomery County, the State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases. An experienced serious criminal charge lawyer Maryland knows that early intervention is critical, especially in seeking a favorable bail determination and challenging the state’s evidence before formal indictment.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: You will appear before a District Court commissioner for charging and bail determination.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney can challenge probable cause for the felony charge within 30 days if you are detained.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea in the Circuit Court for the county where the alleged crime occurred.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer files motions to suppress evidence and obtains all discovery from the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, a separate sentencing hearing determines the penalty based on state guidelines.
Potential Penalties for a Felony in Maryland
In Maryland, a felony conviction can result in a state prison sentence of over one year, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime record, firearm prohibition |
| Drug Distribution (CDS) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Variable | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums for certain weights/quantities |
| Robbery | Felony | Up to 15 years | Variable | None | Violent crime record, parole ineligibility |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Maryland Felony Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach in Maryland is informed by former prosecutors, including Of Counsel attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex felony matters. This depth of experience is critical when facing a serious criminal charge in Maryland.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has achieved favorable results in serious Maryland cases. For example, in Baltimore County, we secured a result of 5 years incarceration with all time suspended and 5 years of supervised probation for a client charged with possession of child pornography. In another case, also in Baltimore County, charges for promoting/distributing child pornography were dropped (Nolle Prosequi).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
While these are specific examples, they illustrate our commitment to pursuing the best possible outcome in difficult cases.
Contact Our Maryland Felony Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and surrounding areas. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. If you need a felony defense lawyer near Maryland courthouses in Rockville, Upper Marlboro, or Ellicott City, we can help.
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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Felony Defense FAQs
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. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The primary difference is the potential penalty. Misdemeanors are generally punishable by up to 90 days to 10 years in a local jail, while felonies can result in a state prison sentence of over one year, up to life imprisonment. The long-term consequences of a felony conviction on employment, housing, and voting rights are also more severe.
Can a felony charge be reduced in Maryland?
It depends. Prosecutors may agree to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor through plea negotiations, especially if the evidence has weaknesses or there are mitigating circumstances. An experienced felony defense lawyer Maryland can advocate for a reduction to lessen the potential penalties and long-term impact.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for a felony?
The state must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you likely committed it. It is not a trial, but a critical stage where your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge the state’s evidence. A successful challenge can lead to the felony charge being dismissed at this early stage.
How long does a felony case take in Maryland?
A felony case in Circuit Court can take from 3 to 12 months or more from initial charge to resolution. The Hicks date rule requires the state to bring you to trial within 180 days of your first appearance if you are detained, or if you demand a speedy trial and are not detained.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you are facing other serious charges, our Montgomery County DUI lawyers can also provide assistance.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change frequently. For the most current advice regarding your felony charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.