In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years 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. An experienced Online Enticement Lawyer Washington County can help protect your rights.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying distinct penalties. The District Court of MD for Washington County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. More serious felony cases proceed to the Washington County Circuit Court for jury trials. The Maryland Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings over 120 years of combined firm experience to every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Review the official Maryland criminal statutes at Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court information, visit the District Court of MD for Washington County (official Maryland Courts website).
In Washington County District Court, prosecutors routinely file charges based on police reports without a grand jury for misdemeanors. Your first appearance is before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The court sets a trial date.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court. Felony cases proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Disposition: Outcomes include dismissal, PBJ, Stet (inactive docket), Nolle Prosequi, or conviction with sentencing.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible protective order; firearm prohibition |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible expungement after 3 years |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; permanent record without expungement |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; possible sex offender registration |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Possible probation; drug treatment program |
| Marijuana (under 10g) | Civil Citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record; no court appearance required |
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 firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the law. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the state builds its cases.
Secondary attorney: Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor. Founded firm 1997. Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65.
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Washington County? We represent clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods Served: Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, Funkstown.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 District Court of MD for Washington County. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Washington County?
District Court of MD for Washington County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Washington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes all criminal cases in both courts.
Related Pages:
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer (hub page)
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Washington County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Washington County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.