In Washington County, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from fines to 25 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense at District Court of MD for Washington County.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors (theft under $100: up to 90 days) to felonies (first-degree assault: up to 25 years). The Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement, including for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) after a 3-year waiting period. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Washington County cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
For the complete Maryland Criminal Law Code, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Washington County official website.
Insider Procedural Edge: Washington County Criminal Defense
Washington County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases here. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where evidence is exchanged.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or plea hearing before the judge.
In Washington County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Washington County Criminal Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to Washington County criminal defense. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who provides firsthand insight into prosecutorial strategies. We serve clients at the District Court of MD for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740).
Case Results in Washington County Criminal Defense
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 VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. In Maryland sex crimes cases, results include a Nolle Prosequi for Child Pornography Promote/Distribute charges and 5 years incarceration with all suspended for Possess Child Pornography.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Washington County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65. We represent clients throughout Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
Looking for a public lewdness lawyer near me Washington County? Our team handles all criminal matters in Washington County.
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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Washington County
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: (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: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: 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 cost of hiring a public lewdness lawyer Washington County?
It depends. Attorney fees vary based on case complexity, court level, and whether the case goes to trial. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation to discuss fees and payment plans. We offer affordable public lewdness lawyer Washington County options.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer – Statewide hub page
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Nearby locality
- Washington County DUI Lawyer – Related practice area
- Washington County Family Law Lawyer – Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher – Former MD Prosecutor
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.