Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, MD — What Are Your Options?
A misdemeanor charge in Montgomery County, Maryland, can carry significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County.
Maryland Misdemeanor Law and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, misdemeanors are criminal offenses classified less severely than felonies but still carry serious consequences. The specific penalties are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 4-101. Common misdemeanors in Montgomery County include second-degree assault, theft under $1,500, and disorderly conduct. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial details.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Maryland statutes, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website. For court-specific procedures in Montgomery County, visit the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Montgomery County Misdemeanor Defense Strategy
The District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville handles all misdemeanor trials. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). PBJ is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Prosecutors in this court routinely consider PBJ for first-time and non-violent offenses. For a misdemeanor defense lawyer near me Montgomery County, understanding this local practice is essential.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact our office immediately after an arrest or receiving a summons. We will review the charging documents and police reports to identify weaknesses in the state’s case.
- Pre-Trial Motions: We may file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges due to procedural errors, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case before trial.
- Negotiation with the State’s Attorney: We engage in plea negotiations, aiming for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduction to a lesser charge with minimal penalties.
- Trial Preparation & Defense: If a favorable settlement cannot be reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial, challenging the evidence and witness testimony presented by the prosecution.
Potential Penalties for Misdemeanors in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, misdemeanors carry penalties ranging from fines to incarceration, with second-degree assault punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible restitution |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Montgomery County Misdemeanor Defense Team
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. In Montgomery County, we have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our lead attorney for Maryland criminal defense, Kristen Fisher, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney who uses her insider knowledge of prosecution tactics to build effective defenses.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Our firm has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include cases dismissed (Nolle Prosequi), charges reduced, and favorable plea agreements like PBJ. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, provides strategic oversight on complex matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Montgomery County Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We are a misdemeanor defense lawyer near me Montgomery County for neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Misdemeanor Defense in Montgomery County
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. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends. 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, typically the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
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 the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
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. For an affordable misdemeanor defense lawyer Montgomery County, contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How much does a misdemeanor defense lawyer cost in Montgomery County?
Costs vary based on the charge’s complexity, potential penalties, and whether the case goes to trial. Many firms, including ours, offer flexible payment plans. An initial consultation can provide a clearer estimate of the investment required for your specific situation.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing more serious charges, learn about our work as a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Montgomery County. For related matters in the region, see our pages for Criminal Defense in Prince George’s County and Criminal Defense in Howard County. For a broader overview, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal advice regarding your misdemeanor charge in Montgomery County.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.