Felony Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Montgomery County, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison and lasting consequences. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. A felony defense lawyer Montgomery County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in this jurisdiction. We provide a strong defense for your future.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Understanding Felony Charges in Maryland
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. The severity is defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Felonies prosecuted in Montgomery County range from theft over $1,500 to serious violent crimes like first-degree assault. These cases begin in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County for an initial appearance but are tried before a jury in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. The potential penalties are severe, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and civil rights.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article on the Maryland General Assembly website. For court-specific procedures in Montgomery County, visit the District Court of MD for Montgomery County official site.
Local Court Process for a Felony Charge
Facing a felony charge in Montgomery County involves a multi-step process. After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville, where bail is set. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if you are detained. The case then proceeds to a preliminary hearing. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is sent to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for indictment by a grand jury and eventual jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases. A key local consideration is that while some felony charges are severe, negotiation for a reduction to a misdemeanor or a favorable plea agreement is often possible based on evidence and circumstances.
- Attend the initial appearance and bail hearing at the District Court in Rockville.
- Secure representation from a felony defense lawyer Montgomery County immediately to begin case review.
- Your attorney will file motions, challenge evidence, and negotiate with the State’s Attorney’s office.
- Prepare for and attend all hearings, including the preliminary hearing and potential trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges
In Montgomery County, a felony charge carries penalties that include years of incarceration, thousands in 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 | Permanent felony record, restitution |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimums, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Serious Criminal Charge
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. For Montgomery County, we have 21 documented case results across all practice areas. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases, which we use to construct effective defenses for clients facing a serious criminal charge.
Case Results in Maryland
Our approach has secured favorable outcomes for clients. In Baltimore County, we defended a client charged with Possession of Child Pornography, resulting in a sentence of 5 years incarceration with all time suspended and 5 years of supervised probation. In another case, charges of Child Pornography Distribution were dropped entirely (Nolle Prosequi). Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Firm founder Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex cases, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor and his multi-state practice experience.
Contact Our Montgomery County Felony Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We represent individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. As a felony charge defense lawyer Montgomery County, we are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends. 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. Eligibility is specific to your case outcome.
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 felony in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland felonies carry severe penalties — first-degree assault: up to 25 years; theft $1,500-$25,000: up to 5 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Montgomery County and Montgomery County Circuit Court can challenge evidence, negotiate reductions, or seek dismissals.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for a felony?
In Montgomery County, the District Court handles initial appearances, bail hearings, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The Circuit Court is where a grand jury issues an indictment and where the felony jury trial is held. Your case moves from District to Circuit Court.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County. In Montgomery County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.