In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. An Indecent Exposure Lawyer Washington County can help you fight these charges.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Washington County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This statute defines offenses ranging from theft to assault. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled thousands of criminal cases across Maryland. A public indecency defense lawyer Washington County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: 2026-04 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources for Washington County Criminal Cases
For the complete text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For court information, including filing procedures and local rules, visit the District Court of MD for Washington County official site. These resources provide the legal framework for your case. An exposure charge dismissed lawyer Washington County can use these statutes to build your defense.
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Washington County Courts
Washington County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes all criminal cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea at your arraignment hearing.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea agreement.
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in Washington County
In Washington County, criminal penalties vary by offense class — from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to 25 years 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 | Possible protective order |
| 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 | Possible protective order |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Possible drug treatment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Washington 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 over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in Washington County. We provide case-specific strategies for each client’s unique situation. Our tagline — Advocacy Without Borders — reflects our commitment to fighting for your rights across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Case Results in Washington County and Across Maryland
SRIS actively practices in Washington County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements. For example, in a Baltimore County sex crimes case, a child pornography possession charge resulted in 5 years incarceration with ALL suspended and 5 years supervised probation. In another Baltimore County case, a child pornography promotion/distribution charge resulted in Nolle Prosequi (dismissal).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services in Washington County
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65.
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Washington County? We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
Neighborhoods: We serve all communities in Washington County, including Hagerstown (county seat), Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Washington County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 Washington County. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between Nolle Prosequi and Stet in Washington County?
Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but no action is taken. Both are eligible for expungement. Your attorney can negotiate either disposition based on your case facts.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Washington County DUI Lawyer
- Washington County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Our Maryland Office
Last verified: 2026-04. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.