Criminal Defense Lawyer Kent County — What Are Your Defense Options?
If you are facing a criminal charge in Kent County, Maryland, you need a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer Kent County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who know how to build a defense. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Charges
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is also a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail. More serious charges, like first-degree assault or drug distribution, are felonies with potential sentences of up to 25 years. Understanding the specific statute and classification of your charge is the first step in building a defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). For information about court procedures and locations in Kent County, refer to the Maryland Courts website for Kent County (courts.state.md.us).
Local Court Process in Kent County
All criminal cases in Kent County begin at the District Court of MD for Kent County at 103 N. Cross Street in Chestertown. This court handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony cases are then sent to the Kent County Circuit Court for jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). A PBJ disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation, and it is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies.
If you are wondering how to beat criminal charges lawyer Kent County strategies often focus on these local procedures. The typical process involves:
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. If granted PBJ, you will be placed on probation instead.
- Expungement: After a waiting period (3 years for PBJ), you may be eligible to have the case expunged from your public record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Kent County
In Kent County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the severity of the offense and your prior record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible for certain offenses | Protective order, probation |
| Theft ($100 – $1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Varies | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment, probation |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Varies | N/A | Violent felony record, supervised release |
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 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We are not a high-volume practice; we focus on providing detailed, case-specific defense strategies. Our team includes attorneys like Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who uses her insider knowledge of how cases are built and prosecuted to our clients’ advantage.
Documented Case Results
Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate of over 93%. While specific results in every jurisdiction cannot be listed, our approach focuses on achieving dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), favorable plea agreements like PBJ, and not-guilty verdicts. For instance, our team has successfully secured Nolle Prosequi (dismissals) in serious cases such as child pornography distribution charges in Maryland courts. Firm founder Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex cases, collaborating with our lead attorneys.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Maryland office represents clients facing charges in Kent County. We serve communities including Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Kent County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
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 under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, typically the District Court of MD for Kent County or the Circuit Court.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent 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. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court. Bail is set by the commissioner; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties—second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
How can a criminal defense lawyer Kent County help fight my charges?
A criminal defense lawyer Kent County can help by investigating the arrest, challenging evidence through motions, negotiating with the State’s Attorney for reduced or dismissed charges, and representing you at trial. An experienced lawyer understands local court procedures and prosecutor tendencies, which is crucial for building an effective defense strategy.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and with related issues such as DUI/DWI defense in Kent County.
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 guidance regarding your specific situation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.