Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
If you are facing a criminal charge in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, you need a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer St Marys County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Maryland Criminal Law and St. Mary’s County Procedures
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. In St. Mary’s County, misdemeanor trials are held at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650), while felony jury trials proceed to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). For court-specific information, visit the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
Local Court Process for a Criminal Charge Defense Lawyer St. Mary’s County
Understanding the local process is key to building a defense. In St. Mary’s County, after an arrest, a District Court commissioner sets bail at an initial appearance. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. For misdemeanors, your case will be scheduled for trial in District Court. Felonies begin in District Court for a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: Appear before a commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charges. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If found guilty, the judge imposes sentence. For PBJ, you are placed on probation.
- Post-Trial Options: Explore appeals or, after a waiting period, petition for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the offense classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record |
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. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who provides direct insight into how the other side builds a case. With a combined 120+ years of attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, we have the depth to handle complex cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, maintains a selective caseload to ensure strategic involvement.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements like Probation Before Judgment. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. We are accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
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.
Need a criminal defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County courthouse or Patuxent River Naval Air Station? Contact us for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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 St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that protect your future.
How can a criminal charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County help me?
A local defense lawyer understands the procedures of the St. Mary’s County courts and the tendencies of local prosecutors. They can challenge evidence, negotiate for reduced charges or alternative dispositions like PBJ, and guide you on how to beat criminal charges lawyer St. Mary’s County residents often face.
What should I do immediately after being charged?
Remain silent and contact a criminal defense lawyer St Marys County immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone but your attorney. Gather any documents or evidence related to the incident and provide them to your lawyer.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. If you have related legal needs in St. Mary’s County, explore our services for DUI/DWI or family law.
Last verified: April 2026. The information on this page is for general purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.