In Charles County, Maryland, criminal charges range from theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to first-degree assault (up to 25 years) 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 Child Trafficking Lawyer Charles County can help protect your future.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Charles County, Maryland — What Are Your Rights After an Arrest?
Understanding Criminal Law in Charles County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties varying by the specific charge. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison, while theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months. The Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement, allowing eligible individuals to clear certain records after acquittal, dismissal, or completion of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources for Charles County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Charles County — Official Court Website
Insider Knowledge: How Charles County Criminal Cases Work
In Charles County, the District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes these cases. A key procedural advantage is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which 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.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. The court may release you on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this happens in District Court. For felonies, it moves to Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea. This is where PBJ or Nolle Prosequi may be discussed.
- Trial or Plea: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial. Misdemeanor trials are in District Court; felony jury trials are in Circuit Court.
- Post-Disposition: After a favorable outcome (dismissal, acquittal, PBJ), your attorney can file for expungement to clear your record.
In Charles County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification, ranging from civil citations to multi-year prison sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible protective order; firearm prohibition |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible expungement after 3 years |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; possible sex offender registration if applicable |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Possible probation; drug treatment program |
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 a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your defense. We serve clients throughout Charles County, including La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville.
Case Results in Charles County and Across Maryland
SRIS actively practices in Charles County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span criminal defense, DUI/DWI, traffic violations, family law, and more across Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Your Charles County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Near You
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: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Charles County? We represent clients throughout Southern 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.
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, typically the District Court of MD for Charles County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles County, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Charles County, while 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, and theft between $100 and $1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Charles County can negotiate PBJ or dismissal to avoid a conviction on your record.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Charles County?
It depends on the offense. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes typically punishable by up to 1 year in jail, while felonies carry more than 1 year in prison. In Charles County, misdemeanors are tried in District Court, while felony cases are heard in Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Charles County
- Family Law Lawyer in Charles County
- Kristen Fisher — Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: 2026-02-15. Laws change frequently. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.