In Charles County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail 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 Revenge Porn Lawyer Charles County can help protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Law in Charles County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The District Court of MD for Charles County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Charles County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
Last verified: 2026-04 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources for Charles County Criminal Cases
For the official state statute governing criminal offenses in Maryland, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court information, including filing procedures and local rules, visit the District Court of MD for Charles County website.
What to Expect in Charles County Criminal Court
After arrest in Charles County, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). Felonies go to Charles County Circuit Court.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail setting.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
In Charles 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, potential firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Charles 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 to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Charles County builds cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating our firm’s ability to effect real change in the law.
Case Results in Charles County and Firm-Wide
SRIS actively practices in Charles County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our team, including Kristen Fisher (former MD prosecutor) and Mr. Sris (former prosecutor), brings deep experience to every criminal case in Charles County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Charles County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Charles County courts. The District Court of MD for Charles County is located at 200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646, accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, and Route 5.
If you need a criminal defense lawyer near La Plata or a revenge porn lawyer near me Charles County, we are here to help. We serve the communities of La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville.
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, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Charles County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles 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 Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Charles 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 Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — District Court of MD for Charles County or Charles County Circuit Court.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles 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 Charles County. Felonies go to Charles County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Charles 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 Charles County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is an affordable revenge porn lawyer Charles County option?
It depends on your specific situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultation by appointment and 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. We provide case-specific strategies for revenge porn charges in Charles County. Contact us to discuss your case and fee options.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Charles County DUI Lawyer
- Charles County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: 2026-04. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.