How long does a criminal case take in St. Mary’s County
The time needed to resolve a criminal case in St. Mary’s County depends on the severity of the charge, the court in which it is heard, and whether the case goes to trial. For a misdemeanor handled in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County, the period from arraignment to trial is typically 30 to 90 days. A felony case in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court may take 3 to 12 months to reach trial, and Maryland law requires a felony jury trial to begin within 180 days of the defendant’s first appearance — a deadline known as the Hicks date. A preliminary hearing in a felony case must occur within 30 days if the defendant is detained without indictment. Many cases are resolved through plea negotiations or pretrial motions without a full trial, and the actual timeline can shift based on the complexity of the evidence, the number of witnesses, and the court’s calendar. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent clients in St. Mary’s County criminal matters and can explain the specific timeline that applies to your situation. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Timeline Factors in St. Mary’s County Criminal Cases
Every criminal case in St. Mary’s County follows a general sequence — arrest, initial appearance, bail review, arraignment, pretrial motions, trial, and potential appeal — but the length of each stage can vary considerably. Misdemeanor charges, such as second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, are handled in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. Because the District Court does not hold jury trials, misdemeanor cases often move from arraignment to a bench trial in a matter of weeks, though contested matters or scheduling conflicts can extend the timeline.
Felony charges, including first-degree assault, theft, or controlled-substance distribution, begin with an initial appearance in the District Court and then proceed to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The Circuit Court process includes a preliminary hearing, grand jury action or information, formal arraignment, and a jury trial setting. The Hicks date — the 180-day speedy-trial period measured from the first appearance — is the primary deadline that shapes a felony timeline, but it may be extended by mutual agreement or by certain pretrial motions. A case that proceeds through plea bargaining can resolve much faster than one that requires a full jury trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate each case to identify procedural opportunities that can shorten the timeline or achieve a favorable resolution before trial. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a criminal case take in St. Mary’s County?
A misdemeanor in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County is often resolved in 30 to 90 days, while a felony in the Circuit Court can take 3 to 12 months. The timeline depends on the type of charge, whether a plea is negotiated, and how many motions are filed. Maryland’s Hicks date requires a felony jury trial to begin within 180 days of the first appearance, but continuances can extend the schedule. Misdemeanors may be resolved more quickly because they are heard by a judge without a jury and often involve fewer pretrial proceedings.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) allows a judge to place a defendant on probation without entering a guilty verdict, and the case can later be expunged after a three‑year waiting period. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies in St. Mary’s County. A person who successfully completes probation may then petition for expungement. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly pursue PBJ as a disposition that protects future employment and housing opportunities.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Maryland law permits expungement of criminal records for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet, and PBJ dispositions, as well as for certain non‑violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. An expungement petition is filed in the same court where the original charge was heard — typically the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County for misdemeanor cases or the Circuit Court for felonies. An attorney can confirm whether your record qualifies and guide you through the petition process.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After an arrest, the defendant appears before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or release conditions, and a bail review hearing is held within 24 hours for those who remain detained. The next step is arraignment, where the charges are formally read and a plea is entered. Misdemeanors are tried in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County, while felonies go to the Circuit Court. Having counsel present at every stage helps protect your rights.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
You are not required to hire a lawyer for a misdemeanor, but many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second‑degree assault, for example, can result in up to 10 years of incarceration. Even a conviction for a minor offense can affect employment, professional licensing, and housing. An experienced criminal defense attorney can negotiate a PBJ, a dismissal, or a reduced charge. For a consultation about your specific charges, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment, while felonies carry longer sentences and are heard in the Circuit Court with a potential jury trial. The court of jurisdiction is the key difference: misdemeanors are handled in the District Court, and felonies proceed through the District Court for initial appearances and then move to the Circuit Court. Felony convictions also carry collateral consequences such as loss of firearm rights and voting restrictions.
What is a preliminary hearing in a felony case?
A preliminary hearing is a proceeding in the District Court where the state must show probable cause that a felony was committed and that the defendant committed it. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is transferred to the Circuit Court. If the state fails to meet its burden, the charge may be dismissed. The hearing must occur within 30 days if the defendant is held without bail, making it a critical early checkpoint.
What is the Hicks date and how does it affect my case?
The Hicks date is the deadline under Maryland law requiring a felony jury trial to begin within 180 days of the defendant’s first appearance. If the trial does not start by that date, the defendant may move for dismissal, though the court can grant extensions for good cause. The Hicks rule is a key timing protection that defense counsel can use to keep the case moving and to challenge unreasonable delays.
What happens if I miss a court date in St. Mary’s County?
Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant for your arrest and additional charges for failure to appear. It is important to contact your attorney immediately if you realize you will miss a hearing. Sometimes the attorney can recall the warrant or reschedule the appearance, but a delay can complicate the case and lead to higher bail or new charges.
Can a criminal case be resolved without a trial in St. Mary’s County?
Yes, the majority of criminal cases are resolved through plea agreements, dismissals, or deferred-disposition programs such as Probation Before Judgment without a trial. A negotiated plea can significantly shorten the timeline and provide a more certain outcome. An attorney can evaluate the prosecution’s evidence and identify weaknesses that may lead to a favorable resolution before trial. For case‑specific guidance, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who began practicing in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm has documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997. The criminal defense team serving St. Mary’s County includes Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who draws on firsthand prosecutorial experience to build thorough defenses for clients facing charges in the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County and the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. All attorneys work collaboratively to protect clients’ rights at every stage of the criminal process. The firm’s Rockville location at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211 in Rockville, Maryland, serves St. Mary’s County and all 24 Maryland counties. Meetings are by appointment only; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.
Our Maryland criminal defense practice appears in courts throughout the state:
- Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer
- Prince George’s County criminal defense lawyer
- Howard County criminal defense lawyer
- Anne Arundel County criminal defense lawyer
- Frederick County criminal defense lawyer
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Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
