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In Montgomery County, Maryland, a criminal charge can carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in this jurisdiction. A former prosecutor on staff provides the strategic defense you need. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, criminal offenses are defined by the Criminal Law Article (CR). The classification of an offense—whether misdemeanor or felony—determines the court where your case is heard and the potential penalties. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison, while theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with a maximum of 5 years. Understanding the specific statute applicable to your charge is the first step in building a defense.
- Initial Appearance: You will be brought before a District Court Commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release.
- Bail Review: If you are detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in the District Court.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this occurs in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trials are held in District Court. Felony cases are bound over to Montgomery County Circuit Court for jury trials.
- Disposition: Outcomes include dismissal, nolle prosequi (prosecutor drops charges), stet (inactive docket), PBJ, or conviction.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal penalties range from civil citations for minor offenses 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Mandatory drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience across the firm. With 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate, the team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong representation. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, a significant achievement in family law.
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Rockville/MD location is accessible via Route 355, I-270, and I-495. We serve clients throughout Montgomery County, including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. If you need a public lewdness lawyer Maryland or an affordable public lewdness lawyer Maryland, our team is available to discuss your case.
For a public lewdness lawyer near me Maryland, contact us at (888) 437-7747. We offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if detained. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
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 can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland?
It depends. PBJ is a disposition where the court enters a judgment of probation without a formal conviction. After successful completion of probation, the case is discharged without a conviction on your record.
How long does a criminal case take in Montgomery County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Felony cases in Circuit Court take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule) applies to felony jury trials.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Maryland?
Yes. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, stet, nolle prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
What is the difference between a stet and nolle prosequi in Maryland?
It depends. A nolle prosequi means the prosecutor drops the charges permanently. A stet places the case on an inactive docket; the prosecutor can reopen it within one year. Both are eligible for expungement.
For more information, contact us at (888) 437-7747. We are available 24/7 for phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only at our Rockville location.