How long does a criminal case take in Prince George’s County

The timeline for a criminal case in Prince George’s County, Maryland, depends on the type of charge, the specific court where the case is heard, and the procedural posture of the matter. Misdemeanors resolved in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro, generally move from arraignment to trial within 30 to 90 days. Felony-level charges, which proceed through the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, can take 3 to 12 months or longer when motions practice, discovery, and negotiation are factored in. The 180-day Hicks date—Maryland’s speedy-trial deadline for felony jury trials—applies from the first appearance and can drive scheduling urgency. Every case is different; an experienced criminal defense team works to protect a defendant’s rights at each stage while pursuing the most efficient resolution possible under the circumstances. To discuss your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Understanding criminal case timelines in Prince George’s County

Criminal proceedings in Prince George’s County follow a structured path that influences how long a case takes. After an arrest, the defendant appears before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release. A bail review hearing must be held within 24 hours if the defendant remains detained. Arraignment follows shortly thereafter, and the court then sets a trial date. In the District Court, which handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies, the court’s docket volume and the availability of counsel can affect the scheduling of hearings. The timeline may also stretch when discovery exchanges, motion practice, or plea negotiations are underway.

Felony charges add additional procedural steps. The defendant is entitled to a preliminary hearing in the District Court within 30 days if detained without an indictment. If the case moves to Circuit Court, a jury trial date must be set within the Hicks date—180 days from the first appearance. While many felony cases resolve through negotiated pleas or diversions, those that go to trial may take a year or more to conclude. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly in both the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County and the Prince George’s County Circuit Court and is familiar with the local pace and practices that shape case timelines.

How Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle criminal cases

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and his Of Counsel team approach every criminal matter with a focus on the procedural and substantive issues that matter in Prince George’s County courts. The team’s work begins with an immediate review of the charging documents, the arrest report, and any statements made by the defendant. They then evaluate each procedural deadline—from the bail review to the preliminary hearing and the Hicks date—to ensure that no right is waived by delay.

The firm’s criminal practice in Maryland is led by Kristen M. Fisher, an Of Counsel attorney who is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. Her prosecutorial background gives her insight into how the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County builds a case, and she uses that knowledge to identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence, negotiate for dismissals or reduced charges, and pursue favorable dispositions such as probation before judgment (PBJ). Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, also provides strategic oversight on complex matters. The Of Counsel team collaborates on each case, drawing on over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented firm-wide results to develop a defense strategy tailored to the specific court, the judge, and the local procedures. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he understands the prosecution’s perspective and applies that understanding to build and present a defense. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel attorneys, each with well over a decade of practice experience, include former state prosecutors and a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, providing a depth of criminal law knowledge across multiple jurisdictions. Every member of the team respects the pace and procedures of Prince George’s County courts and works to move matters toward a resolution that serves the client’s interests. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar → Maryland Judiciary → DC Bar → NJ Courts → NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is probation before judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s County?

Probation before judgment (PBJ) is a Maryland disposition that places a defendant on probation without entering a conviction. If the defendant successfully completes probation, the case is closed without a finding of guilt, and the defendant may later be eligible for expungement. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and certain felonies. The court at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, regularly considers PBJ requests, especially for first-time offenders. Eligibility depends on the specific charge, the defendant’s record, and the prosecutor’s position. An experienced attorney can argue for PBJ as part of a plea agreement.

Can a criminal record be expunged after a case in Prince George’s County?

Yes, Maryland law allows expungement of many criminal records after certain waiting periods. Under the Justice Reinvestment Act, dispositions such as acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet, and PBJ (after a 3‑year waiting period) may be expunged. Non‑violent convictions can also qualify. The expungement petition is filed in the court where the case was heard—typically the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. The process involves serving the petition on the State’s Attorney and the arresting agency. An attorney familiar with the local courts can help you determine if you are eligible and file the petition correctly.

What happens after a criminal arrest in Prince George’s County?

After an arrest in Prince George’s County, the defendant appears before a District Court commissioner for an initial appearance and bail setting. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. The defendant is then arraigned, at which time the charges are formally read and a trial date is scheduled. Misdemeanors are set for trial in the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County, while felonies proceed to the Circuit Court. Throughout this process, a defense attorney can argue for release conditions, file motions, and negotiate with the State’s Attorney.

What factors can extend a criminal case timeline?

Several factors can lengthen the time it takes to resolve a criminal case. Motion practice—such as motions to suppress evidence—takes time for briefing and hearing. Discovery exchanges, especially in complex felonies involving forensic evidence, require additional preparation. Scheduling conflicts with the court’s docket or key witnesses can push trial dates back. The defendant’s decision to negotiate a plea or proceed to trial also affects duration. In Prince George’s County, the volume of cases in both the District Court and Circuit Court can influence how quickly a matter moves through the system. An attorney who understands the local court schedule can help manage expectations.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s County?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer for a misdemeanor, representing yourself is risky. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties—second‑degree assault can result in up to 10 years of incarceration, for example. A lawyer can work to secure PBJ, a reduction to a lesser charge, or a dismissal. In Prince George’s County, an experienced attorney familiar with the prosecutors and the court can help you navigate the procedural timeline and protect your record. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Criminal lawyer in Montgomery County | Criminal lawyer in Howard County | Criminal lawyer in Anne Arundel County | Criminal lawyer in Frederick County | Criminal lawyer in Baltimore County

Primary legal authority: Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 6‑220 (expungement) | District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County | Prince George’s County Circuit Court

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.’s Rockville Location serves Prince George’s County — 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850; by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747.