In Howard County, criminal charges carry serious consequences under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Public Lewdness Lawyer Howard County can help protect your record and your future.
Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The state classifies offenses as misdemeanors or felonies based on the potential penalty. Misdemeanors carry up to 3 years in jail, while felonies carry more than 3 years. The District Court of MD for Howard County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article (official)
For the official Maryland Criminal Law statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article (CR). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Howard County official website.
Insider Knowledge: How Howard County Criminal Cases Work
In Howard County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on non-violent charges. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor drops charges) and Stet (inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ, and qualifying non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
- Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanor trials are set within 30-90 days.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pretrial motions to suppress or dismiss.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trial in District Court; felony cases bound over to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Disposition: Options include dismissal, PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction with sentencing.
In Howard County, criminal penalties range 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| 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 | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | 6-month suspension | Treatment evaluation |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Howard 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 tagline — Advocacy Without Borders — reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Howard County builds cases. We use that insight to identify weaknesses and negotiate favorable dispositions like PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or dismissal.
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. While every case is unique, our track record demonstrates consistent, aggressive representation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a public lewdness lawyer near me Howard County? We provide 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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — District Court of MD for Howard County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is an affordable public lewdness lawyer Howard County option?
It depends on the case complexity. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and consultation by appointment. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case and fee options. We provide 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.