In Harford County, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Former prosecutor Kristen Fisher leads your defense at District Court of MD for Harford County. Consultation by appointment.
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors, such as theft under $100 carrying up to 90 days in jail, to felonies like first-degree assault with a maximum of 25 years. The state classifies crimes by severity, and the prosecutor must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. Maryland also offers alternative dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) under Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220, which can avoid a formal conviction on your record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled thousands of criminal cases across Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Harford County | Maryland General Assembly
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law statutes at Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, visit the District Court of MD for Harford County website.
Harford County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Harford County prosecutes cases at 2 South Bond Street, Bel Air, MD 21014.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi and Stet are common dispositions.
- 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 exchange.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors; preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Felony cases bound over to Harford County Circuit Court for jury trial.
In Harford County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years in prison.
| 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 under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| 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 | Treatment may be ordered |
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 a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your defense. The firm serves clients across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and New York.
SRIS actively practices in Harford County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Harford County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 1, Route 24, Route 40, and Route 543.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Fallston, Jarrettsville, or Forest Hill? We serve all of Harford County.
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.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Harford 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 Harford County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Harford 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 Harford County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, such as District Court of MD for Harford County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Harford County, Maryland?
After arrest in Harford County, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Harford County, while felonies go to Harford County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Harford County, Maryland?
Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years, and theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Harford County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Harford County?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges entirely, and the case ends. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket for up to one year — if you commit no new offenses, the charges may be dismissed. Both can be expunged.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Return to Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
See also our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer pages.
Related services in Harford County: DUI/DWI Lawyer Harford County and Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Harford County.