In Howard 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. You need a Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County who understands local court procedures.
Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The statute defines offenses ranging from theft to assault, with penalties varying by classification. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years imprisonment under CR § 3-203. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled thousands of criminal cases across Maryland courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Official Resources for Howard County Criminal Cases
For official information on Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article (CR). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County official website.
Insider Knowledge: How Howard County Criminal Cases Work
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all criminal cases.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are common dispositions.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea disposition.
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — 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 | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| 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 |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Drug Possession (Non-Marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Criminal record, potential treatment requirement |
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?
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. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the legal system. Our Howard County criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also oversees Howard County criminal cases with his extensive experience across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Case Results in Howard County Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific Howard County case results are not listed, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving strong outcomes for our clients.
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.
Looking for a revenge porn lawyer near me Howard County? We provide criminal defense representation throughout Howard County.
We serve the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (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 with 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 or Howard County Circuit Court.
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 carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries 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 revenge porn lawyer Howard County?
An affordable revenge porn lawyer Howard County provides cost-effective legal representation for non-consensual pornography cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and consultation by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case and fee options.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Howard County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Howard County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Maryland Office Location
Information Freshness and Verification
This page was last verified on 2026-04. Information is current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance on your Howard County criminal case.