Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal charge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Understanding Maryland’s statutes, like those in the Criminal Law Article, is critical. As a criminal defense lawyer Anne Arundel County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation.
Maryland Criminal Law Defined
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This article defines offenses from misdemeanors like theft under $1,500 to felonies like first-degree assault. The classification determines the court, potential penalties, and available defenses. Misdemeanors are typically heard in District Court, while felonies proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm uses this deep legal knowledge to build case-specific defense strategies for clients across Anne Arundel County.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly website). For local court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
Local Court Process for a Criminal Charge Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes cases. A key local procedural fact is the frequent use of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record if probation is completed successfully. Knowing how to beat criminal charges lawyer Anne Arundel County strategies often focus on securing this outcome.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial (District Court) or jury trial (Circuit Court for felonies).
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge imposes sentence. For eligible offenses, the judge may grant PBJ instead of a conviction.
- Post-Trial Options: This includes filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement of the record.
Potential Penalties for Maryland Crimes
In Anne Arundel County, criminal penalties vary widely by offense classification, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years in prison and theft under $100 being a misdemeanor with up to 90 days.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment, probation |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record, severe collateral consequences |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across jurisdictions. In Anne Arundel County, we actively practice at the District Court, focusing on strategic defenses to protect our clients’ futures.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients. While every case is unique, our approach focuses on thorough case review and aggressive advocacy. For example, our team has successfully secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and favorable probationary outcomes in complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, collaborating with Of Counsel like Kristen Fisher to develop defense strategies.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts. We represent individuals from Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 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, typically the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard.
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 the District Court. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault with up to 10 years. An attorney at the District Court can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, which is often critical to learning how to beat criminal charges lawyer Anne Arundel County strategies employ.
How quickly should I contact a criminal defense lawyer after being charged?
Immediately. Early contact allows your attorney to advise you during police questioning, seek your release at the initial bail hearing, and begin building your defense strategy before critical deadlines pass. The sooner you have representation, the more options you may have.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in Montgomery County and with DUI charges in Anne Arundel County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific case.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.
