Felony Defense Lawyer Howard County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Howard County is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, felonies like theft over $1,500 carry up to 5 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. Our felony defense lawyer Howard County team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, has handled 4,739+ firm-wide case results. Call (888) 437-7747 now.
Maryland Felony Charges and Howard County Court Process
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary. The classification and penalties are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For example, theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine. More serious felonies, like first-degree assault, can carry up to 25 years. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this deep legal knowledge to build defenses.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the official Maryland General Assembly website. For Howard County court information, including locations and hours, refer to the District Court of Maryland’s directory for Howard County.
Howard County Felony Defense Strategy
In Howard County, felony cases begin in District Court for an initial appearance and preliminary hearing but are tried in the Howard County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases. A key local strategy involves challenging the state’s evidence early, often at the District Court level, to seek a dismissal or reduction of charges before the case proceeds to a Circuit Court jury trial.
- Initial Appearance: You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Preliminary Hearing: If you are charged by a statement of charges, a hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause for the felony.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: The case is forwarded to Howard County Circuit Court for formal arraignment on the indictment or information.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The case is resolved through a negotiated plea or proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, guided by Maryland sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges in Howard County
In Howard County, a felony conviction can result in state prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and voting rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime record, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimums, asset forfeiture |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Crime of violence designation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a high rate of favorable outcomes. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your Howard County case.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a track record of advocating for clients facing serious charges. For instance, we have secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in complex cases such as child pornography distribution charges in Maryland courts. In other cases, we have negotiated resolutions that avoided incarceration, such as a suspended sentence with probation for a possession charge. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex felony matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Howard County Felony Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Maryland location serves clients in Howard County. We are accessible from I-95, Route 29, and Route 32. If you are searching for a “felony charge defense lawyer Howard County” near Columbia or Ellicott City, we can help. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
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.
FAQs: Felony Defense in Howard County, MD
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
Yes, the difference is significant. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime with a maximum jail sentence of up to 3 years, typically served in a county detention center. A felony is more serious, punishable by imprisonment in a state penitentiary for over one year, potentially for decades. The long-term consequences of a felony conviction are also more severe.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my felony record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). For felony convictions, expungement is generally not available except for certain non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Eligibility is complex and requires a legal analysis of your specific case and final disposition.
What happens after a felony arrest in Howard County?
After a felony arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail, (2) a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) a preliminary hearing in District Court, (4) the case is sent to Howard County Circuit Court for arraignment, (5) pre-trial proceedings, and (6) either a plea or jury trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Howard County?
Yes. The penalties for felonies are severe, including long-term imprisonment. The procedures in Circuit Court are complex. A serious criminal charge lawyer Howard County can protect your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and provide representation at trial. The stakes are too high to proceed without experienced counsel.
If you are facing a felony charge, contact a Felony Defense Lawyer Howard County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We provide a case-specific defense for clients in Columbia, Ellicott City, and throughout Howard County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.