Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County? Maryland law carries penalties from civil citations to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Public Lewdness Lawyer St Marys County can help you understand your rights at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Understanding Criminal Law in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law classifies offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include second-degree assault (up to 10 years) and theft under $1,500 (up to 6 months). Felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101 defines assault classifications. The District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. A Public Lewdness Lawyer St Marys County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources for St. Mary’s County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County (official Maryland Courts)
What to Expect in St. Mary’s County Court
St. Mary’s County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. The State’s Attorney prosecutes cases here. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a key option — it avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Trial or plea negotiation.
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet).
In St. Mary’s County, criminal charges carry penalties from civil citations to 25 years in prison 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 | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your St. Mary’s County Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in St. Mary’s County. We provide case-specific representation for each client.
Case Results in St. Mary’s County and Firm-Wide
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys have secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing charges ranging from theft to assault.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Looking for a public lewdness lawyer near me St. Mary’s County? We provide 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 St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
It depends on the potential penalty. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years (second-degree assault) or less. Felonies carry more than 10 years or are specifically classified as felonies by statute. First-degree assault is a felony with up to 25 years.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in St. Mary’s County?
3 years. After completing probation for a Probation Before Judgment disposition, you must wait 3 years from the date of the PBJ order before filing for expungement in St. Mary’s County District Court.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI/DWI Lawyer St. Mary’s County
- Family Law Lawyer St. Mary’s County
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Maryland Office Location
Information Freshness
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.