Trespassing Defense Lawyer Howard County — What Are Your Options?
A trespassing charge in Howard County is a criminal offense under Maryland law, carrying potential jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing unlawful entry charges at the District Court of MD for Howard County in Ellicott City.
Maryland Trespassing Law and Penalties
Trespassing in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-402. The law prohibits entering or crossing the property of another after receiving notice not to do so. Notice can be oral, written, or posted (e.g., “No Trespassing” signs). The severity of the charge often depends on the type of property and the defendant’s intent.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm combines deep legal knowledge with practical courtroom experience. We approach each trespass case by examining the validity of the “notice” given, the defendant’s knowledge, and the property owner’s actions.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, see Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-402 (official Maryland General Assembly site). Local procedures are handled at the District Court for Howard County website.
Local Court Process for a Trespass Charge in Howard County
Your case will begin with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. The commissioner sets bail. For a trespass charge defense lawyer Howard County, the key is early intervention. In this court, prosecutors from the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office routinely offer dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders, which avoids a formal conviction.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: Appear before a commissioner after arrest or receiving a summons. Bail conditions are set.
- Arraignment: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty or if accepting a plea, the judge imposes sentence or grants PBJ.
- Expungement: If eligible (e.g., after a PBJ waiting period), file to clear the record.
Potential Penalties for Trespassing in Howard County
In Howard County, trespassing is typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine, but penalties increase for trespassing on school property or with intent to harm.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Record Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespassing (General) | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal Record |
| Trespassing on School Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal Record |
| Trespassing with Intent to Harm | Misdemeanor | Up to 3 years | Up to $5,000 | Felony-Level Record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to each case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We focus on building a defense that challenges the prosecution’s ability to prove you had proper notice and the required intent for an unlawful entry charge.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in Howard County. While specific trespassing results are case-dependent, our overall approach has secured favorable outcomes including dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), PBJ dispositions, and charge reductions for clients facing misdemeanor allegations. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Trespassing Defense Lawyer Serving Howard County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, and Savage. We are accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32.
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: Trespassing Defense in Howard County
Is trespassing a misdemeanor in Maryland?
Yes. Most trespassing offenses under Md. Code § 6-402 are misdemeanors. However, penalties range from up to 90 days in jail for general trespassing to up to 3 years if the trespass was with intent to cause harm.
Can a trespassing charge be dropped in Howard County?
It depends. A trespass charge defense lawyer Howard County can seek a dismissal (Nolle Prosequi) if the evidence is weak, such as lack of proper “no trespassing” notice or mistaken identity. Negotiating a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is another common outcome that avoids a conviction.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for trespassing?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you successfully complete probation, no conviction is entered on your public record. PBJ is available for most misdemeanors like trespassing at the District Court of MD for Howard County.
Do I need a lawyer for a trespassing ticket in Howard County?
Yes. Even a minor trespassing charge can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. An attorney can protect your rights, challenge the state’s case, and seek a outcome like PBJ to preserve your record.
What defenses are there to a trespassing charge?
Common defenses include lack of proper notice (no signs or warning), consent to be on the property, mistaken identity, or that you were on public property. An unlawful entry defense lawyer Howard County will investigate the facts to identify the strongest defense strategy.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other charges, explore our Howard County criminal defense or DUI defense pages.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding a trespassing charge in Howard County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a consultation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.