Facing criminal charges in Kent County, Maryland carries serious consequences — from jail time to a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team, including former prosecutors, provides strong defense at District Court of MD for Kent County. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law covers a wide range of offenses from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR), offenses are classified by severity. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides experienced representation in Kent County.
External Citation Links
For official legal references, consult the Maryland Criminal Law Code (official Maryland General Assembly) and the District Court of MD for Kent County website.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance or conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. Your attorney can argue for release.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanors proceed in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Options include trial, plea negotiation, PBJ, Stet (inactive docket), or Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped).
- Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, PBJ (3-year wait), or qualifying conviction under Justice Reinvestment Act, you may clear your record.
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from 90 days for minor theft to 25 years 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 | Protective order possible |
| Theft Under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 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 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Combined attorney experience: 120+ years. Firm-wide case results: 4,739+ documented outcomes with over 93% favorable rate. Tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our firm has handled numerous criminal cases in Maryland. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. 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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts. The District Court of MD for Kent County is located at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20. We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton. If you need a criminal defense lawyer near Kent County, contact us 24/7 at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Kent County?
It depends. For Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), Maryland law requires a 3-year waiting period from the date of probation completion before you can file for expungement. Other dispositions like acquittals or dismissals can be expunged immediately.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.