Montgomery County criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Former prosecutors on staff provide a strategic advantage in your defense.
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ToggleUnderstanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
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 Maryland Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent offenses. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings prosecutorial insight to every criminal defense case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Montgomery County (official Maryland Courts)
Insider Procedural Edge: Montgomery County Criminal Defense
Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes cases at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. It is available for many offenses and can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Post-disposition options: PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or expungement.
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record, firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense?
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. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to aggressive, client-focused representation across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to shape legal precedent. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds cases against you.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland with firsthand prosecutorial experience. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. 75% of practice dedicated to litigation.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Montgomery County? We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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 Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County?
Yes. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act. The process involves filing a petition with the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Maryland?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges entirely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are favorable dispositions that can lead to expungement. Your attorney can negotiate either outcome.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County DUI Lawyer
- Montgomery County Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Rockville Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.