In Washington County, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Rape Defense Lawyer Washington County provides case-specific defense strategies at District Court of MD for Washington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each with specific elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. The District Court of MD for Washington County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Washington County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes all criminal cases in this jurisdiction. A Rape Defense Lawyer Washington County understands these statutory frameworks and applies them to your case.
For official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Washington County website.
Washington County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases here. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You hear the charges and enter a plea. The court sets a trial date.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence and files pretrial motions.
- Plea Negotiations: Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition, such as PBJ or Nolle Prosequi.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial before a judge, or you accept a negotiated plea agreement.
- Post-Disposition: If eligible, your attorney files for expungement after the waiting period.
In Washington County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years, 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 | Protective order possible |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation possible |
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 and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s advocacy philosophy is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to every criminal defense case. She joined the firm in 2010 and focuses 75% of her practice on litigation. Her background provides significant insight into case construction, trial strategies, and courtroom dynamics in Maryland courts.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. A Rape Defense Lawyer Washington County from SRIS applies this experience to your case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. The court is accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Hagerstown or Washington County? We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
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.
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, typically District Court of MD for Washington County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 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, and theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ, which avoids a conviction on your record, or seek dismissal of charges.
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 inactive. If you stay out of trouble for a specified period, Stet cases can be expunged. Both are favorable dispositions compared to a conviction.
How long does a criminal case take in Washington County, Maryland?
District Court misdemeanor cases typically take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days from first appearance. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if you are detained without indictment.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
See our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. Also serving Montgomery County and Frederick County. For related matters, see our DUI lawyer in Washington County and family law lawyer in Washington County.
Learn more about Kristen M. Fisher and our Maryland office location.