Trespassing Defense Lawyer in Rockville, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
A trespassing charge in Rockville, Maryland, is a criminal offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 6-402, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges of unlawful entry and trespass.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, trespassing is defined as entering or remaining on property without the lawful right to do so. The statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law § 6-402, covers various scenarios, from entering a posted property to refusing to leave after being told to depart. A conviction can create a permanent criminal record, affecting employment, housing, and professional licenses. A trespass charge defense lawyer Rockville from our firm examines the specifics of your case, including whether proper notice was given and if you had any legal privilege to be on the property.
For official statute text, see Md. Code, Criminal Law § 6-402 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court information, visit the Maryland District Court website.
- Initial Consultation: Contact our firm immediately after receiving a summons or being charged. We review the charging documents and your account of events.
- Evidence Review: We scrutinize the state’s evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any property signage or notices.
- Defense Strategy: We develop a case-specific defense, which may involve arguing lack of intent, challenging the legality of the order to leave, or negotiating for a favorable disposition.
- Court Representation: We represent you at all hearings, from arraignment through trial or resolution, advocating for dismissal, acquittal, or a reduced charge.
In Rockville, a trespassing conviction can result in up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespassing on Posted Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, possible probation |
| Trespassing on School Grounds | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Enhanced penalties, possible protective order |
| Unlawful Entry (Trespass) | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, potential impact on immigration status |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. Our trespassing defense lawyer Rockville practice is informed by deep knowledge of local court procedures and prosecutor tendencies.
Our firm has handled numerous criminal defense matters in Maryland. For instance, Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
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 location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We are a trespassing defense lawyer near Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center. We serve neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for trespassing in Maryland?
It depends on the type of trespass. General trespassing on posted property is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. Trespassing on school grounds carries higher penalties of up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Can a trespassing charge be expunged in Maryland?
Yes, in many cases. If you receive a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for trespassing, you may petition for expungement three years after completing probation. A final conviction may also be eligible for expungement after a waiting period, depending on the outcome and other factors on your record.
Do I need a lawyer for a trespassing charge?
Yes. While it may seem like a minor charge, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record. An unlawful entry defense lawyer Rockville can often negotiate for a dismissal, PBJ (which avoids a conviction), or reduced charge, protecting your future opportunities.
What is the difference between trespassing and unlawful entry?
In Maryland, “unlawful entry” is often used interchangeably with trespassing under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 6-402. Both involve entering or remaining on property without permission. The specific charge name may vary by jurisdiction, but the legal elements and defenses are generally the same.
What defenses are available against a trespassing charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you didn’t know you were trespassing), lack of proper notice (no signs or you weren’t told to leave), consent (you had permission to be there), or necessity (you entered for an emergency). A trespass charge defense lawyer Rockville can identify the best defense for your situation.
For related legal help, see our pages on Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer, Criminal Defense in Prince George’s County, and Assault Defense Lawyer in Rockville.
Last verified: April 2026. 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.
