Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland — What Are Your Rights After an Arrest?
In Washington County, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Bond Hearing Lawyer Washington County can help you secure pretrial release. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to felonies carrying 25-year maximum sentences. The Bond Hearing Lawyer Washington County you choose can make a critical difference in your case outcome. The Maryland Code defines specific classifications for each offense, which determine potential penalties and court procedures.
For official legal references, consult the Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) and the District Court of MD for Washington County website. These government sources provide the most current statutory language and court procedures.
- Appear before the District Court commissioner for initial bail determination within 24 hours of arrest.
- Request a bail review hearing if you remain detained — this must happen within 24 hours.
- Attend arraignment where you enter your plea and receive a trial date.
- File pretrial motions, including requests for discovery and suppression of evidence.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition such as PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
In Washington County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil fines to 25-year prison sentences for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
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 over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Washington County builds cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the legal field.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. 75% of her practice is dedicated to litigation, providing clients with vigorous courtroom representation.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles cases in Washington County. His background as a former prosecutor and his 120+ years of combined firm experience provide additional depth to your defense.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span criminal defense, traffic, family law, and other practice areas across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. The office is accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65. We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
If you are searching for a bond hearing lawyer near me Washington County, our team is ready to help. We provide 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, and trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Washington County.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington County, Maryland?
Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How much does an affordable bond hearing lawyer Washington County cost?
It depends. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we offer payment plans and consultation by appointment. Our fees are case-specific, and we provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
Related pages: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Washington County DUI Lawyer | Washington County Family Law Lawyer
Attorney Profile: Kristen Fisher — Former MD Prosecutor | Location: Rockville/MD Location (by appointment)
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.