In Kent County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault can bring 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 Sexual Assault Lawyer Kent County who understands local court procedures at the District Court of MD for Kent County.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors include theft under $1,500, second-degree assault, and disorderly conduct. Felonies include first-degree assault (up to 25 years), burglary, and drug distribution. The District Court of MD for Kent County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes all cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Kent County — Official Court Website
Insider Knowledge: How Kent County Courts Handle Criminal Cases
In Kent County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer PBJ for first-time offenders on non-violent charges. This disposition keeps a conviction off your record. The court at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 processes cases efficiently — misdemeanor trials typically occur within 30-90 days of arraignment.
- Step 1: Initial Appearance — After arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours.
- Step 2: Arraignment — You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere) at the District Court of MD for Kent County.
- Step 3: Discovery — Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
- Step 4: Pretrial Motions — Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery.
- Step 5: Trial or Plea Negotiation — The case proceeds to trial or your attorney negotiates a PBJ, Stet, or Nolle Prosequi.
- Step 6: Expungement — After a favorable outcome, your attorney files for expungement to clear your record.
In Kent County, Maryland, 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible protective order; firearm restriction |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible PBJ eligibility |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; loss of voting rights while incarcerated |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; possible sex offender registration if sexual component |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment evaluation; possible probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Kent County Criminal Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and has a background in accounting and information systems. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Kent County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland sex crimes cases, SRIS obtained a Nolle Prosequi for a child pornography promotion/distribution charge in Baltimore County, and a deferred probation disposition for a child pornography possession charge with all incarceration suspended.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location Serving Kent County
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20.
Near Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Kent County, Maryland.
Neighborhoods Served: Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, Betterton.
Availability: 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 Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — the District Court of MD for Kent County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent 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 Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
A misdemeanor in Maryland carries up to 3 years in jail, though some misdemeanors like second-degree assault carry up to 10 years. A felony carries more than 3 years in prison. Felonies are tried in Kent County Circuit Court; misdemeanors in District Court of MD for Kent County.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Kent County Family Law Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.