In Kent County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our former prosecutors provide strong defense at District Court of MD for Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying specific penalties. The Maryland General Assembly defines classifications, while the District Court of MD for Kent County handles initial appearances and misdemeanor trials. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads the firm’s criminal defense practice.
Key statutes include: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly) and District Court of MD for Kent County (official court website).
In Kent County, the State’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases. The District Court at 103 N. Cross Street handles misdemeanor trials and felony initial appearances. Felony jury trials proceed to Kent County Circuit Court.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you remain detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea to the charges.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Sentencing or disposition hearing if convicted or upon plea agreement.
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25-year felony sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Kent County, we provide criminal defense representation at the District Court of MD for Kent County and Kent County Circuit Court.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles criminal defense matters in Kent County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Kent County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts. The District Court of MD for Kent County is located at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Kent County? We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
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 with 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 at District Court of MD for Kent County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then 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 to avoid a conviction on your record or seek dismissal.
What is the difference between Nolle Prosequi and Stet in Kent County?
Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges entirely — the case ends. Stet places the case on an inactive docket indefinitely; the State can reopen it within one year. Both are common dispositions in Kent County District Court and can lead to expungement.
Related pages: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Kent County DUI Lawyer | Kent County Family Law Lawyer
Attorney profile: Kristen M. Fisher — Former Prosecutor | Location: Rockville/MD Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.