In Howard County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County can help you understand your options. Contact us 24/7.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Understanding Criminal Charges in Howard County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days, while theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with up to 5 years. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County can explain how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Howard County (official court website)
Local Court Process in Howard County
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all criminal cases.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial — misdemeanors in District Court, felonies in Circuit Court.
- Post-trial options including appeal or expungement.
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Possible protective order |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Possible protective order |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Possible probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Howard County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher, our primary attorney for Howard County criminal defense, is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. She brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to every case. Mr. Sris, firm founder, personally leads complex criminal matters.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Howard County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (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 District Court of MD for Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Howard County?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges entirely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but inactive. Both are favorable dispositions. Stet cases can be expunged immediately, while Nolle Prosequi cases can be expunged immediately as well.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Howard County?
You must wait 3 years from the date of the PBJ disposition before filing for expungement in Howard County. After the waiting period, you can file a petition with the District Court of MD for Howard County or the Circuit Court, depending on where your case was heard.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.