In Kent 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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense at District Court of MD for Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The statute covers a range of offenses from theft and assault to drug crimes and sex offenses. Criminal charges in Kent County are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for Kent County and heard at the District Court of MD for Kent County located at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides criminal defense representation in this jurisdiction.
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, see the District Court of MD for Kent County (official Maryland Courts website).
- Appear for your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Attend your bail review hearing within 24 hours if you remain detained.
- Review the charging documents with your attorney to identify procedural defects.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for dispositions like PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet.
- If no agreement, proceed to trial in District Court for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- File for expungement after acquittal, dismissal, or completion of PBJ probation (3-year waiting period).
In Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging 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 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 $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation possible |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum sentencing |
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 across its attorneys. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Kent County builds cases.
Secondary attorney: Mr. Sris, Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). Bar admissions: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY. Background in accounting & information systems provides unique advantage in financial and tech-related cases.
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. In Maryland, the firm has achieved dispositions including Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Probation Before Judgment (no conviction on record) for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20. We serve the communities of Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Kent County? Our firm provides representation for clients facing charges in Chestertown and throughout the Eastern Shore region.
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 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, either District Court of MD for Kent County or Kent County Circuit Court.
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, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court. Bail is set by the commissioner at initial appearance.
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, and theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Kent County?
District Court of MD for Kent County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. District Court has no jury for misdemeanors — the judge decides the case. Circuit Court provides jury trials for felony charges.
Related pages: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Kent County DUI Lawyer | Kent County Family Law Lawyer
Attorney profile: Kristen Fisher — Former MD Prosecutor | Location: Rockville/MD Location (by appointment only)
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.