Facing criminal charges in Charles County, Maryland carries serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand the District Court of MD for Charles County.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Charles County, Maryland
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying specific penalties. Second-degree assault under CR § 3-203 carries up to 10 years imprisonment. Theft offenses under CR § 7-104 are classified by value: theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days; theft between $100 and $1,500 carries up to 6 months; theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with up to 5 years. First-degree assault under CR § 3-202 carries up to 25 years. Drug possession under CR § 5-601 (non-marijuana) is a misdemeanor with up to 4 years. Marijuana possession under 10 grams is a civil citation with a $100 fine.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Charles County — Maryland Courts Website
Insider Knowledge: Charles County Criminal Court Process
Charles County District Court at 200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646 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.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: Formal charges are read, and you enter a plea.
- Discovery: The prosecution shares evidence; your attorney reviews and builds defense strategy.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court for jury trial.
In Charles County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years imprisonment depending on the offense classification.
| 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 possible | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Charles County Criminal Defense
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. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York with over 93% favorable outcomes. 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 the firm’s ability to effect real change in the legal system. Our attorneys have deep experience in Maryland criminal courts, including the District Court of MD for Charles County and Charles County Circuit Court.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Charles County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Charles County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Charles County courts, including the District Court of MD for Charles County at 200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646, accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, and Route 5.
Near-Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Charles County, Maryland.
Neighborhoods Served: La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, Hughesville.
Availability: 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. 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. 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 at District Court of MD for Charles County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles 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 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 to avoid a conviction on your record or seek dismissal.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Charles County?
District Court of MD for Charles County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Charles County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. District Court judges hear cases without juries for misdemeanors, while Circuit Court provides jury trials for felony charges.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.