Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
If you are facing a criminal charge in Montgomery County, you need a strong defense. A criminal charge can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how to build a defense. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Defense
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Misdemeanors like theft under $1,500 can carry up to 6 months in jail. Felonies like second-degree assault can lead to up to 10 years in prison. The specific penalties depend on the charge and your prior record.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We focus on building a case-specific defense strategy for each client.
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Montgomery County website
Montgomery County Court Process and Defense Strategy
In Montgomery County, all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances happen at the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. Felony jury trials move to Montgomery County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes cases. A key local disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record if you complete probation successfully.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- 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 challenge evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor for a dismissal, reduction, or favorable plea agreement like PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on guidelines and arguments from your lawyer.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry a wide range of penalties, from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the severity of the offense and your criminal history.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| 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, strict probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team has a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to every client’s case. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Our lead attorney for Maryland criminal defense is a former Assistant State’s Attorney who knows how prosecutors build cases.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Our firm has a documented record of results in Maryland. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), reductions, and favorable plea agreements like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher and firm founder Mr. Sris, works collaboratively. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, founded the firm in 1997 and maintains a multi-state practice. This combined experience is applied to each case to seek the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike), near landmarks like Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center.
We are a criminal defense lawyer near Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Gaithersburg, serving neighborhoods including Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, typically the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County Circuit Court. Bail is set by the commissioner; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties—second-degree assault up to 10 years, theft $100-$1,500 up to 6 months. An attorney at the District Court can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal. A criminal charge defense lawyer Montgomery County can protect your rights and future.
How can a lawyer help me beat criminal charges in Montgomery County?
It depends on the evidence and circumstances. A skilled criminal defense lawyer Montgomery County can challenge illegal stops or searches, question witness credibility, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or PBJ, and present a strong defense at trial. Knowing how to beat criminal charges lawyer Montgomery County strategies is key to a favorable outcome.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Prince George’s County. If you are facing other legal issues, we provide DUI defense and family law services in Montgomery 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 situation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.
