In Kent County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years 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. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense at District Court of MD for Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The state classifies crimes as either misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties ranging from civil citations to life imprisonment. The District Court of MD for Kent County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has 120+ years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge that benefits clients facing criminal charges.
For the complete Maryland Criminal Law Code, visit the Maryland General Assembly official statute page. For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Kent County website.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. Your attorney can argue for reduced conditions.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanors proceed in District Court; felonies are bound over to Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files suppression motions if police violated your rights.
- Plea Negotiation: The State’s Attorney may offer PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet disposition. These avoid formal conviction.
- Trial or Resolution: District Court trials occur within 30-90 days. Felony jury trials in Circuit Court follow the 180-day Hicks speedy trial rule.
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years imprisonment for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record; possible protective order |
| 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 | Criminal record; employment impact |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record; firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record; federal consequences |
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 120+ years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative knowledge that benefits clients facing criminal charges.
SRIS actively practices in Kent County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland, SRIS has obtained dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) on serious charges including child pornography distribution, and secured probation dispositions that avoided incarceration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts. The location is accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20. We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Kent County? Our firm provides representation throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore region.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent County, Maryland?
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 Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes, Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions.
Cases in Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Kent County). The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent County, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55. SRIS actively practices here.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties that warrant legal representation.
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 Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between Nolle Prosequi and Stet in Kent County?
Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges entirely, while Stet places the case on an inactive docket.
With Nolle Prosequi, the case ends immediately and can be expunged. With Stet, the case can be reopened within one year if you re-offend, then becomes eligible for expungement. Both dispositions avoid a formal conviction. SRIS has obtained Nolle Prosequi on serious charges in Maryland.
Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — State hub page
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer — Related practice area
Kent County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
Kristen Fisher — Former MD Prosecutor
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.