Felony Defense Lawyer Howard County — Protecting Your Future
A felony charge in Howard County, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge with life-altering penalties. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, felonies like theft over $1,500 can carry up to 5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Felony Charges and Howard County Law
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. The classification and penalties are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For example, theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. More serious felonies, like first-degree assault, can carry up to 25 years. These cases in Howard County begin in the District Court for an initial appearance but are tried in the Howard County Circuit Court before a jury.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For information on Howard County court procedures and locations, refer to the District Court of Maryland for Howard County website.
Howard County Felony Case Process
The process for a felony in Howard County starts with an arrest and initial appearance before a District Court commissioner at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. The commissioner sets bail. Within 24 hours, if you are detained, a bail review hearing is held. The case then proceeds to a preliminary hearing in District Court to determine if there is probable cause. If bound over, the case is indicted by a grand jury and transferred to Howard County Circuit Court for arraignment and trial.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: Appear before a District Court commissioner after arrest.
- Preliminary Hearing: A District Court judge reviews probable cause for the felony charge.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury; if indicted, it moves to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea in Howard County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews the state’s case.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Felony Convictions in Howard County
In Howard County, a felony conviction carries severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime designation, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimum sentences, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Serious Criminal Charges in Howard County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its case. For a serious criminal charge lawyer Howard County residents can rely on, we provide focused defense strategies case-specific to the Howard County court system.
Case Results for Felony and Serious Charges
Our attorneys work to achieve the best possible outcome in every case. In prior matters, we have secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), reductions from felonies to misdemeanors, and favorable plea agreements that avoid incarceration. For instance, in a Baltimore County child pornography distribution case, we secured a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal). In another possession case, we negotiated a sentence of 5 years of incarceration, all suspended, with probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near Howard County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges in Howard County. We are accessible to communities like Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, and Savage. If you need a felony defense lawyer Howard County residents trust, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Felony Defense in Howard County
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
Yes. In Maryland, a misdemeanor is a crime with a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail. A felony is a more serious offense punishable by imprisonment for over one year, often in a state prison, and carries larger fines and longer-lasting consequences.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a felony in Howard County?
It depends. PBJ is a disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction. It is available for some felonies in Maryland, but not for crimes of violence or certain serious offenses. Eligibility is determined by the judge at sentencing.
Can a felony be expunged from my record in Howard County?
It depends. Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement for some non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 10-15 years). Acquittals, dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), and Stet dockets are eligible for expungement sooner. A lawyer can review your specific case and eligibility.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Howard County?
Yes. Felony charges involve complex procedures, severe penalties, and are prosecuted aggressively by the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office. An experienced felony defense lawyer Howard County relies on can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward a reduction or dismissal.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for a felony?
At a preliminary hearing in Howard County District Court, the state must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you committed it. It is not a trial, but a critical stage where your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses and potentially get charges reduced or dismissed before the case goes to Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing a felony charge, you may also want to learn about Maryland criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for Montgomery County criminal defense and Prince George’s County criminal defense. For other legal issues in Howard County, consider a Howard County DUI lawyer or a Howard County family law attorney.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.