In Kent County, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Kent County criminal defense lawyer can fight for dismissal, reduction, or Probation Before Judgment at District Court of MD for Kent County.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Kent County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law classifies offenses by severity. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days; theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with up to 5 years. Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) is a misdemeanor up to 4 years. Marijuana under 10 grams is a civil citation with a $100 fine.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Official Resources for Kent County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Kent County (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: How Criminal Cases Work in Kent County
Kent County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes all cases. 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 conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea — not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial or disposition — including PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or expungement.
In Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil fines 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 | Possible protective order |
| 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 | Possible protective order |
| 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 | None | None |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Kent County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Kent County builds cases.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating our firm’s ability to effect real change in the legal system.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Kent County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20. We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Kent County? We are here to help.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, and trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent 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 Kent County can negotiate PBJ to avoid a conviction on your record.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Kent County?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the prosecution can reopen it within one year. Both are eligible for expungement, but Stet requires a one-year waiting period after the case is placed on the inactive docket.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.