Domestic Violence Lawyer Montgomery County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Domestic violence charges in Montgomery County are serious under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 3-201, carrying penalties up to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County. A protective order lawyer Montgomery County can be critical to your defense. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, domestic violence is defined by the relationship between the parties, not a specific crime. It involves acts like assault, stalking, or false imprisonment committed by a person against a current or former spouse, cohabitant, family member, or someone with whom they have a child. The law is found in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 3-201. These cases are prosecuted in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
- Secure representation immediately after an arrest or being served with a protective order.
- Your attorney will request discovery from the State’s Attorney’s office to review the evidence.
- Attend the protective order hearing to argue against its issuance or for modified terms.
- Negotiate with prosecutors for a favorable disposition, such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
- Prepare for trial if a plea agreement cannot be reached that protects your interests.
- If convicted, pursue expungement eligibility after the mandatory waiting period.
In Montgomery County, domestic violence assault carries penalties from 90 days for second-degree assault up to 25 years for first-degree assault, plus fines and potential loss of firearm rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault 2nd Degree (Domestic) | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, loss of firearm rights |
| Assault 1st Degree (Domestic) | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Mandatory protective order, permanent firearm prohibition |
| Reckless Endangerment | Misdemeanor | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Often charged alongside assault |
| Violation of Protective Order | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year (1st), 2 years (subsequent) | Up to $1,000 | None | Contempt of court, separate charges |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. They have documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Montgomery County, a client stated, “They got my assault charge dropped when I thought I had no chance.” Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor.
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 95% favorable outcome rate for these local matters. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background as a former prosecutor and his multi-state practice across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY contribute to the firm’s defense strategies.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
Phones 24/7/365; by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We are a domestic violence lawyer near Montgomery County and serve the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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 (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County). 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
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 (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a criminal charge and a protective order?
It depends. A criminal charge is brought by the state and can lead to jail, fines, and a criminal record. A protective order is a civil order from a judge that restricts contact. You can have one without the other, but they often occur together in domestic violence cases. Violating a protective order is itself a separate crime.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. In Montgomery County, we also handle DUI/DWI and Family Law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.