In Kent 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 Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Kent County can explain your defense options.
Understanding Criminal Law in Kent County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The District Court of MD for Kent County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Kent County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
For official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court information, see the District Court of MD for Kent County website.
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Kent County Courts
In Kent County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, you may seek expungement after a 3-year waiting period.
- Step 1 — Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Step 2 — Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Step 3 — Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanor cases proceed to trial in District Court.
- Step 4 — Discovery: Your attorney reviews evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor.
- Step 5 — Disposition: Options include PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or trial.
- Step 6 — Expungement: After PBJ (3-year wait) or dismissal, file for expungement.
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal penalties range from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| 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 | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Kent 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 over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Kent County builds cases.
Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to every criminal defense case. She joined the firm in 2010 and focuses 75% of her practice on litigation.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. In Maryland sex crimes cases, our team secured a Nolle Prosequi for child pornography promotion/distribution charges and a 5-year suspended sentence with probation for possession of child pornography.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at District Court of MD for Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620), accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20.
We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
It depends. After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent 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 District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is an affordable online solicitation of a minor lawyer Kent County?
It depends. An affordable online solicitation of a minor lawyer Kent County provides cost-effective representation for internet sex crime charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and 24/7 availability for clients facing these serious allegations.
Last verified: 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.