Felony Defense Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison and lasting consequences. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, felonies like theft over $1,500 carry up to 5 years. As a felony defense lawyer St Marys County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense.
Maryland Felony Charges and St. Mary’s County Court Process
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Felonies are classified by degree, with penalties outlined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Examples include first-degree assault (up to 25 years), theft of $1,500 to $25,000 (felony up to 5 years), and controlled substance distribution (up to 20 years). These cases are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County.
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. We understand the high stakes of a felony accusation and the specific procedures of St. Mary’s County courts.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For information on the St. Mary’s County court where felony cases begin, see the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
Local Court Insight for Felony Cases in St. Mary’s County
Felony proceedings in St. Mary’s County start at the District Court for an initial appearance and bail review. The case then moves to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for indictment, arraignment, and potential jury trial. Understanding this two-court process is critical. In our experience, early and strategic intervention can significantly impact the trajectory of a case, potentially skilled to reduced charges or favorable negotiations before a formal indictment.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felonies, a hearing is held in District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If indicted by a grand jury, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney based on the discovery received.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement, potentially to a lesser charge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where arguments for probation or minimal incarceration are made.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, a felony conviction carries severe penalties including lengthy prison terms, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and voting rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Restitution, permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | Violent crime record, firearm prohibition |
| CDS Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Mandatory minimums, driver’s license suspension |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | Considered a crime of violence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Defense
When facing a serious criminal charge lawyer St. Mary’s County, you need advocates with depth of experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who understands how the State builds its cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor himself, maintains a selective caseload to provide focused attention on complex felony matters. Firm-wide, we have documented over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our approach to felony defense is proactive and strategic. For a serious criminal charge lawyer St. Mary’s County residents trust, we begin building a defense from the moment we are retained. We scrutinize police reports, challenge forensic evidence, interview witnesses, and file pre-trial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. In many cases, this early work can lead to charges being reduced or dismissed before a trial is necessary.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex felony cases, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor and his decades of experience in multi-jurisdictional practice.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near St. Mary’s County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, and Great Mills. We are accessible to those near the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and the St. Mary’s County Courthouse.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Felony Defense Lawyer St Marys County FAQ
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The key difference is the potential prison sentence. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, while a felony carries a potential sentence of over one year in prison, often with much longer maximum terms.
What happens after a felony arrest in St. Mary’s County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing is held within 24 hours if you are detained. Felony cases then proceed to a preliminary hearing in District Court to establish probable cause before moving to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for indictment and trial.
Can a felony charge be reduced in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. An experienced felony defense lawyer St Marys County can often negotiate with the State’s Attorney to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor, especially in cases involving first-time offenders, evidentiary weaknesses, or mitigating circumstances. This is a common strategic goal.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge?
Absolutely. The consequences of a felony conviction are severe and lifelong. A public defender may be appointed if you qualify, but a private felony defense lawyer can often provide more dedicated resources and earlier intervention, which is crucial for building a strong defense from the start.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a felony?
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 many felonies in St. Mary’s County. After successful completion of probation, PBJ cases may be eligible for expungement after a 3-year waiting period.
Internal Links: For more on Maryland criminal defense, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby Anne Arundel County. If you are also facing related issues, consider our St. Mary’s County DUI lawyer services.
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 felony charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.