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Anne Arundel County Criminal Lawyer | SRIS, P.C.
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Criminal defense lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. 4,739+ case results firm-wide, 93%+ favorable outcomes. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 cons…
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In Anne Arundel County, 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. Contact our former prosecutors for a consultation by appointment. Spring court schedules are filling quickly — call now.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR). The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
External Citation Links:
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County (official Maryland Courts)
- Initial Appearance: Appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: Request a bail review hearing in District Court if you remain detained.
- Arraignment: Enter your plea at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the State’s evidence and identifies procedural weaknesses.
- Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney for PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet disposition.
- Resolution: Case resolves through dismissal, plea agreement, or trial. Expungement may follow after waiting periods.
In Anne Arundel County, criminal charges carry penalties from civil citations to 25 years incarceration 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 possible | Probation, drug treatment |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 fine | None | No 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 firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legal experience. The firm serves clients across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY with a tagline of “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301. We serve Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. 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.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
After arrest in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ to avoid a conviction on your record or seek dismissal.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Maryland?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket for up to one year, after which the case may be dismissed or reopened. Both dispositions are eligible for expungement.
How long does a criminal case take in Anne Arundel County?
District Court misdemeanor cases typically take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if detained without indictment.
Can I get bail after arrest in Anne Arundel County?
Yes, bail is set by a District Court commissioner at your initial appearance. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release. If detained, you have a bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours. Public defender eligibility is based on income.
What is the Justice Reinvestment Act in Maryland?
The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions in Maryland. It allows expungement of certain convictions after waiting periods, reducing the long-term impact of criminal records. This law applies to cases in Anne Arundel County and throughout Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.