Facing criminal charges in Anne Arundel County? Maryland law carries penalties from 90 days to 25 years. 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. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors like theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand knowledge of Maryland prosecutorial strategy to every case.
Review the official Maryland statutes: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County (official Maryland Courts website).
Anne Arundel County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. 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.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing if convicted, or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet).
In Anne Arundel County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from 90 days to 25 years incarceration, with fines up to $25,000.
| 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, loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $25,000 | None | Criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| 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 firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys include former Maryland prosecutors who understand how the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney builds cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to shape legal precedent.
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Sample results include: Possess Child Pornography — 5 Years incarceration with ALL suspended, 5 Years supervised Probation specifically C.O.M.E.T.; Child Pornography Promote/Distribute — Nolle Prosequi (dismissed).
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.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
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 (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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel 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 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: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How long do I have to wait for expungement after PBJ in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. For PBJ, you must wait 3 years after the date of probation completion before filing for expungement. For acquittals or dismissals, expungement is available immediately. Contact an attorney to determine eligibility.
Related pages: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Lawyer | Anne Arundel County DUI Lawyer | Anne Arundel County Family Lawyer
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.