Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties up to 25 years for first-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Former prosecutors on staff provide strong defense at District Court of MD for Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The statute covers everything from theft and assault to drug offenses. In Kent County, the District Court handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes these cases. Understanding the specific statute you are charged under is the first step in building your defense. The classification of your offense determines potential penalties and court procedures.
For official legal references, consult the Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly) and the District Court of MD for Kent County website.
- Appear for your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Attend your bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- File a motion for discovery to obtain the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition such as PBJ or Nolle Prosequi.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to trial in District Court or request a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- If convicted, explore expungement options after the waiting period ends.
In Kent County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years incarceration, while theft under $100 carries up to 90 days.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential employment issues |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Criminal record, restitution, loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, potential deportation for non-citizens |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record, potential loss of federal benefits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles cases in Kent County. He has over 120 years of combined legal experience across the firm.
SRIS actively practices in Kent County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts. The court is located at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620. Accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Chestertown? We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent County, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Kent County?
District Court handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes cases in both courts. Your case may start in District Court and move to Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Related pages: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI/DWI Lawyer Kent County | Divorce/Family Lawyer Kent County
Attorney profile: Kristen M. Fisher | Location: Maryland Office
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.