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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. A public lewdness lawyer Washington County can help protect your rights.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Washington County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The District Court of MD for Washington County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Washington County Circuit Court. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ after a 3-year waiting period under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Official Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Washington County — Official Court Website
What to Expect in Washington County Criminal Court
In Washington County District Court, the State’s Attorney prosecutes all criminal cases. Maryland’s PBJ option is a powerful tool — it places you on probation without entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for qualifying cases after waiting periods.
- 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.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense — from civil citations to 25 years in prison 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 |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution |
| 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 evaluation |
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. 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. Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, leads our criminal defense practice in Washington County. Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. In Maryland sex crimes cases, we have achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and probation dispositions for serious charges including child pornography possession and distribution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Washington County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. We are accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65. We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
Looking for a public lewdness lawyer near me Washington County? We provide criminal defense for all types of charges.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Washington County, Maryland
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 after 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 carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington 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 Washington County?
District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes in both courts. District Court is at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
Related Practice Areas
- 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 — Criminal Defense Attorney
- Our Maryland Office
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.