In Anne Arundel County, 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 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Anne Arundel County can protect your rights. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Law in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors (theft under $100: up to 90 days) to felonies (first-degree assault: up to 25 years). The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act. 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.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article
Official Resources for Anne Arundel County Criminal Cases
For the complete text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article (official state legislature). For court procedures, forms, and local rules, visit the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County official website.
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Anne Arundel County Courts
Anne Arundel County District Court prosecutors routinely handle high volumes of cases. The State’s Attorney’s Office evaluates each case for PBJ eligibility early. Acting quickly can preserve critical options.
- Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, a District Court commissioner sets bail or conditions of release.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: Formal charges are read; you enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this occurs in District Court.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the State’s evidence, including police reports and witness statements.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Disposition: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court. Felony cases proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial. Negotiated dispositions include PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet.
In Anne Arundel County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — 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 | Potential protective order; firearm prohibition |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; potential PBJ eligibility |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; loss of voting rights while incarcerated |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; potential sex offender registration if sexual component |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Potential CDS registration; employment barriers |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Anne Arundel 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 tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its case — and how to dismantle it. We provide case-specific strategies case-specific to Anne Arundel County courts.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Education: B.A. English, University of Maryland, College Park (2001); J.D., Rutgers School of Law (2004)
Key Background: Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland — prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. 75% of her practice is dedicated to litigation, underscoring her commitment to vigorous courtroom representation. Her firsthand prosecutorial experience provides significant insight into case construction, trial strategies, and courtroom dynamics.
Case Results in Anne Arundel County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York. While every case is unique, our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Child Trafficking Lawyer Anne Arundel County Trusts
Distance to Court: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301.
Near Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Annapolis or Glen Burnie? We serve all of Anne Arundel County.
Neighborhoods Served: Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, Millersville.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
NAP Block: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
It depends. After arrest: (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 Anne Arundel County. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a Child Trafficking Lawyer Anne Arundel County and a general criminal defense lawyer?
A Child Trafficking Lawyer Anne Arundel County specifically handles cases involving the recruitment, harboring, or transportation of minors for exploitation. These cases involve specialized knowledge of federal and state trafficking laws, victim protection protocols, and unique defense strategies. General criminal defense lawyers may lack this focused experience.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Related Pages: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Anne Arundel County DUI Lawyer | Anne Arundel County Family Law Lawyer
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.