In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Montgomery County can explain your defense options.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
Maryland law defines criminal offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The classification of an offense — misdemeanor or felony — determines the court where your case is heard and the potential penalties. Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Montgomery County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Montgomery County understands these court procedures and can guide you through the process.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources for Montgomery County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Montgomery County — Official Court Website
What to Expect in Montgomery County Criminal Court
Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pretrial motions and discovery.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
In Montgomery County, Maryland, 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 | Drug treatment evaluation |
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. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, leads our criminal defense practice in Montgomery County. She joined the firm in 2010 and dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. Her firsthand prosecutorial experience provides significant insight into case construction, trial strategies, and courtroom dynamics.
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Case Results
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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
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).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Montgomery County? We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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 (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (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 (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 (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). 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: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: 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?
A misdemeanor in Maryland carries up to 10 years in jail (for second-degree assault) or less. A felony carries more than 10 years or is specifically classified as a felony by statute. Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court for jury trials.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Montgomery County?
It depends. For Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), you must wait 3 years after the date of probation completion before filing for expungement in Montgomery County. Other dispositions like Nolle Prosequi or acquittals can be expunged immediately with no waiting period.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.