Felony Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Prince George’s County is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison and lasting consequences. Under Maryland law, felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. As a felony defense lawyer Prince Georges County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate, strategic defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, a felony is defined as a crime punishable by death or imprisonment in the state penitentiary. Felonies are classified by statute, with penalties varying widely based on the specific offense and circumstances. The prosecution of felonies in Prince George’s County is handled by the State’s Attorney’s Office, and cases proceed through the Circuit Court for jury trials. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to building a defense against these severe allegations.
Official Maryland Felony Statutes & Court Resources
Understanding the specific law you are accused of violating is the first step in your defense. Maryland’s criminal code is extensive.
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly) – The full text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, including all felony classifications.
- District Court of MD for Prince George’s County – The official court website for information on locations, hours, and procedures for initial appearances and misdemeanor trials.
Prince George’s County Felony Court Process & Defense Strategy
The path of a felony case in Prince George’s County is complex. It begins with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing must be held within 24 hours if you are detained. Felony cases are then forwarded to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for indictment by a grand jury and eventual jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes these cases aggressively. A key local procedural fact is Maryland’s “Hicks date,” a 180-day speedy trial rule that applies from your first appearance in Circuit Court. Missing this deadline can be grounds for dismissal.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will see a District Court commissioner who informs you of charges and sets bail conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing (if applicable): A hearing is held within 30 days if you are detained without an indictment to determine if there is probable cause.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: After a grand jury indictment or information filing, you are formally arraigned on the felony charges in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and exchanges evidence (discovery) with the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on Maryland’s sentencing guidelines and any mandatory minimums.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, felony penalties range from over one year to life in prison, plus substantial fines and long-term collateral consequences.
| Offense (Examples) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, permanent criminal 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 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Asset forfeiture, federal implications |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Stigma as a crime against habitation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Defense
When facing a felony, you need a lawyer with deep experience and a proven approach. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We combine this extensive experience with specific insight into the Prince George’s County court system. Our lead attorney for Maryland criminal defense, Kristen Fisher, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney who personally prosecuted cases in Maryland District and Circuit Courts. This prosecutorial background provides a critical advantage in anticipating the state’s strategy and building an effective defense for your serious criminal charge.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our commitment is to achieve the best possible result in every case. While every situation is unique, our firm’s approach is consistent: investigate thoroughly, challenge evidence aggressively, and advocate passionately. Firm-wide, we have documented over 4,739 case results with more than 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and acquittals. In complex cases, Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, often collaborates to provide strategic oversight, especially for charges with financial or technical elements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near Prince George’s County, MD
Our Maryland office in Rockville represents clients facing felony charges at the Prince George’s County Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro. We serve communities throughout the county, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
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.
Felony Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County FAQ
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
Yes, the difference is significant. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime typically punishable by up to 90 days to 3 years in a local jail. A felony is a more serious crime punishable by over one year to life in the state penitentiary. Felonies carry heavier fines and more severe long-term consequences for employment, housing, and voting rights.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my felony record expunged in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ dispositions. Under the Justice Reinvestment Act, expungement is also possible for some non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 10-15 years). Eligibility is complex and requires a detailed analysis of your specific record and the offenses.
What happens after a felony arrest in Prince George’s County?
After a felony arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) preliminary hearing within 30 days (if no indictment), (4) grand jury indictment, (5) arraignment in Circuit Court, (6) pre-trial proceedings, and (7) plea or jury trial. The 180-day Hicks rule for a speedy trial starts at your first Circuit Court appearance.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Prince George’s County?
Yes. The stakes are far too high to proceed without an experienced felony defense lawyer Prince Georges County. An attorney can protect your rights at every stage, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative dispositions, and provide a vigorous defense at trial. The public defender is available if you qualify based on income.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other serious charges, explore our pages for a DUI lawyer in Prince George’s County or a family law attorney in Prince George’s County. For other locations, see our criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery County.
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.