Facing criminal charges in Kent County, Maryland carries serious penalties, including up to 10 years for second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Kent County can fight for your rights.
Understanding Criminal Law in Kent County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors, such as theft under $100 carrying up to 90 days in jail, to felonies like first-degree assault with a maximum of 25 years. The District Court of MD for Kent County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies, while the Kent County Circuit Court manages felony jury trials. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources for Kent County Criminal Cases
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court procedures, rules, and forms, consult the District Court of MD for Kent County official website.
Insider Procedural Edge: How We Handle Criminal Cases in Kent County
In Kent County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer PBJ for first-time offenders on non-violent charges. This disposition avoids a conviction on your record, which is critical for employment and housing.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance or conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney negotiates PBJ, Stet, or Nolle Prosequi, or prepares for trial.
- Disposition: If convicted, sentencing occurs. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and PBJ after a 3-year waiting period.
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary widely by offense, from civil citations to multi-year prison sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Kent County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in Kent County.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience handling criminal defense in Maryland.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Kent County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In related Maryland sex crimes cases, we achieved a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) on a Child Pornography Promote/Distribute charge in Baltimore County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Criminal Defense Services in Kent County
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20.
Near-Me: Searching for a “criminal defense lawyer near Chestertown” or “criminal defense lawyer near Kent County”? We represent clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods Served: Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, Betterton.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
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. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Kent County. After 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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
It depends. 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 of MD for Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
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; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Kent County?
It depends. District Court of MD for Kent County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The Hicks rule (180-day speedy trial rule) applies to felony jury trials from first appearance.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
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- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.