Prince George’s County Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer — What Are Your Options?
A misdemeanor conviction in Prince George’s County can carry up to 10 years in jail for offenses like second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense in the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
Maryland Misdemeanor Law and Penalties
In Maryland, misdemeanors are criminal offenses punishable by up to 10 years in a county jail, as opposed to state prison for felonies. The specific penalties are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Common misdemeanors prosecuted in Prince George’s County include second-degree assault, theft under $1,500, drug possession, and driving under the influence (DUI).
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a practice on understanding both sides of the courtroom. This perspective is critical when building a defense strategy for misdemeanor charges in Upper Marlboro.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). For court-specific procedures, forms, and contact information, visit the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website.
Local Court Process for Misdemeanor Charges
Prince George’s County District Court in Upper Marlboro handles all misdemeanor trials. The process typically begins with an initial appearance before a commissioner who sets bail. A key local procedural fact is the frequent use of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). A PBJ disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation, and it is available for many misdemeanors. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction also commonly use Nolle Prosequi (dropping charges) and Stet (placing the case on an inactive docket) as resolutions.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who informs you of charges and sets bail conditions.
- Arraignment: You appear before a judge, are formally advised of charges, and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to challenge evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a PBJ, dismissal, or reduced charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a District Court judge.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence or may grant PBJ, placing you on probation instead of entering a conviction.
- Post-Trial Options: This includes filing an appeal to the Circuit Court or, if eligible, beginning the expungement process after the waiting period.
Potential Penalties for Prince George’s County Misdemeanors
In Prince George’s County, misdemeanor penalties vary widely; second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail, while theft under $100 can result in up to 90 days.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order; permanent criminal record |
| Theft $100 – $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; civil liability |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment; probation |
| Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | Revocation (6+ months) | Ignition Interlock; alcohol education |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | None | Community service |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Misdemeanor Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, we bring substantial resources to your defense. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we fight aggressively within the local system. For Prince George’s County residents, having an affordable misdemeanor defense lawyer Prince George’s County who understands the local State’s Attorney’s office and judicial preferences is a significant advantage.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
While every case is unique, our firm-wide experience includes thousands of misdemeanor resolutions. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters. We have successfully secured PBJ dispositions, dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), and charge reductions for clients facing misdemeanor charges in Prince George’s County and across Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, and Hyattsville. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, and Route 301. If you are searching for a misdemeanor defense lawyer near me Prince George’s County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
Misdemeanor Defense FAQs for Prince George’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my misdemeanor record expunged in Prince George’s County?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). Some non-violent misdemeanor convictions may also be expunged under the Justice Reinvestment Act. The petition is filed in the court where your case was heard, typically the District Court in Upper Marlboro.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s County?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like up to 10 years for assault. An attorney at the District Court in Upper Marlboro can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
What happens after a misdemeanor arrest in Prince George’s County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your case will then be scheduled for arraignment and trial at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County on 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro.
How can a misdemeanor defense lawyer help me?
A lawyer analyzes the evidence for weaknesses, files pre-trial motions to suppress improper evidence, negotiates with prosecutors for favorable dispositions like PBJ, and provides skilled representation at trial. This advocacy is aimed at avoiding a conviction or minimizing penalties.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.