Trespassing Defense Lawyer in Rockville, MD — Protecting Your Rights
A trespassing charge in Rockville, Maryland, is a criminal offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 6-402, carrying penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those accused of unlawful entry.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, trespassing is defined as entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission. The law distinguishes between trespassing on posted property, a dwelling, and other structures. A conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, affecting employment and housing. A skilled trespass charge defense lawyer Rockville can examine whether proper notice was given, if you had a lawful purpose, or if the property owner’s complaint is valid.
For the official state statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law § 6-402 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court information is available at the Maryland District Court website.
- Secure legal representation immediately after receiving a criminal citation or summons.
- Your attorney will obtain the police report and the complainant’s statement.
- We will investigate the scene for signage and review any prior interactions with the property owner.
- We develop a defense strategy, which may involve negotiating for a dismissal or preparing for trial.
- If necessary, we represent you at all court hearings at the District Court in Rockville.
In Rockville, a trespassing conviction can lead to up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespassing on Posted Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Trespassing in a Dwelling | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | More severe penalties, potential felony if armed |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We have a deep understanding of Maryland’s trespassing laws and the local courtrooms where these cases are heard.
Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Kristen Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand experience prosecuting and now defending criminal cases. She is admitted to practice in Maryland and Virginia and focuses her practice on criminal and traffic defense in state and federal courts. Her prosecutorial background provides critical insight for building effective defenses for clients in Rockville and across Montgomery County.
While specific local case counts for trespassing are not separately tallied, our firm’s extensive criminal defense experience includes successful resolutions for unlawful entry defense lawyer Rockville clients. These outcomes often involve case dismissals, findings of not guilty, or favorable plea agreements that avoid jail time. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex matters, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor and his multi-state practice.
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
Phones 24/7/365; by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Rockville location serves clients at the District Court for Montgomery County. We are a local trespassing defense lawyer Rockville near the courthouse and accessible via I-270 and Rockville Pike. We serve neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Potomac. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — all in-person meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for trespassing in Maryland?
It depends. Trespassing on posted property is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Trespassing in a dwelling carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The specific penalties can vary based on the circumstances and your criminal history.
Can a trespassing charge be dropped in Rockville?
Yes. A trespass charge defense lawyer Rockville can often get a charge dropped if the property owner decides not to prosecute, if there was insufficient notice, or if the evidence is weak. Negotiating for a dismissal or a favorable plea is a common strategy.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time trespassing charge?
Yes. Even a first-time misdemeanor can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record. An unlawful entry defense lawyer Rockville can protect your rights, challenge the state’s case, and work toward an outcome that may keep the charge off your public record.
What is the difference between trespassing and burglary?
Burglary requires entering a building with the intent to commit a crime inside, like theft. Trespassing is simply the unauthorized entry itself, without the additional criminal intent. Burglary is a felony with much more severe penalties.
How can a lawyer defend against a trespassing charge?
A defense may involve proving you had permission to be on the property, that the property was not properly posted with “no trespassing” signs, that you had a lawful purpose, or that the officer lacked probable cause for the arrest. Each case requires a detailed investigation.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Prince George’s County. If you are facing other charges, consider our Rockville assault lawyer services.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.