In Howard County, criminal charges carry serious consequences 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. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense at District Court of MD for Howard County. Consultation by appointment.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying distinct penalties. The Maryland General Assembly official site provides the full statutory text. Second-degree assault, for example, is a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-203, carrying up to 10 years in prison. Theft over $1,500 is a felony under § 7-104. The District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles initial appearances and misdemeanor trials. Felony cases proceed to Howard County Circuit Court. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to every defense strategy.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
For the complete Maryland Criminal Law Code, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. Court procedures and local rules for Howard County are available at the District Court of MD for Howard County official website.
Insider Perspective on Howard County Criminal Procedure
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical tool — it avoids a formal conviction on your record. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, and PBJ after a 3-year waiting period.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea — typically within 30 days.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial or disposition — including PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or verdict.
In Howard County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification under Maryland law, from civil citations to multi-year prison terms.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Potential protective order |
| 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 | Potential 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 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 a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our Howard County criminal defense team includes former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who provides insider knowledge of how the State’s Attorney for Howard County builds cases. This prosecutorial experience translates directly into stronger defense strategies for our clients.
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS 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 secured outcomes including Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) for child pornography promotion/distribution charges and probation with all incarceration suspended for possession of child pornography.
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 criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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 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 — typically the 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 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.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Howard County?
It depends on the offense. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically carrying up to 3 years in jail, while felonies carry more than 1 year in prison. In Howard County, misdemeanors are tried in District Court, while felonies are handled in Circuit Court with the right to a jury trial.
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.