Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
In Montgomery County, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Montgomery County can help protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors (theft under $100: up to 90 days) to felonies (first-degree assault: up to 25 years). The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Montgomery County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes all criminal cases. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Montgomery County understands these statutory distinctions and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Montgomery County — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Montgomery County Court
Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes cases aggressively. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. This happens within 24 hours of arrest if you are detained.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. The court considers personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this occurs in District Court. For felonies, this occurs after indictment in Circuit Court.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence and files pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition, such as PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or a reduced charge.
- Sentencing or Expungement: If convicted, sentencing occurs. If charges are dismissed or you receive PBJ, your attorney can file for expungement after the required waiting period.
Penalty Ranges for Common Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison, 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 | Probation, drug treatment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Montgomery 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. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the Montgomery County State’s Attorney builds cases. We provide case-specific representation case-specific to your situation. Advocacy Without Borders.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also provides strategic oversight on complex criminal matters in Montgomery County.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing criminal charges at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave).
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Montgomery County? We serve clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods Served: Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase.
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, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, typically the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
In Maryland, misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by up to 1 year in jail, though some carry more. Felonies are more serious offenses punishable by more than 1 year in prison. The classification affects which court hears your case and the potential penalties you face.
Related Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — State hub page
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Montgomery County DUI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Montgomery County Family Law Lawyer — Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.