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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Public Lewdness Lawyer Howard County can help protect your record and future.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland classifies criminal offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying distinct penalties. The District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. A Public Lewdness Lawyer Howard County understands the specific statutes and procedures that apply.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Howard County — Official Court Website
Insider Knowledge: Howard County Criminal Court Process
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where evidence is exchanged.
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations.
- Trial or plea disposition.
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years incarceration and fines up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Criminal record, possible treatment |
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?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring former prosecutor insight to every criminal defense case in Howard County. A Public Lewdness Lawyer Howard County from our firm understands the local court system and prosecutor practices.
Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland, our firm has achieved dismissals, PBJ dispositions, and reduced charges for clients facing criminal charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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 with 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: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then 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 charges entirely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — if you avoid arrest for one year, the case may be dismissed. Both are favorable dispositions that can lead to expungement.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer in Howard County
- Family Law Lawyer in Howard County
- Kristen M. Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Our Maryland Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.