Criminal Defense Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact our experienced team for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal Law in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This statute defines criminal offenses, penalties, and classifications. In Anne Arundel County, criminal cases are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County. The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies, while the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County (official Maryland Courts)
Insider Procedural Edge for Anne Arundel County Criminal Cases
Anne Arundel County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing if convicted, or expungement if acquitted or dismissed.
In Anne Arundel County, 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 | $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | None |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | $15,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Asset forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Case in Anne Arundel County
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 over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County builds cases.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team has secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing criminal charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD Location — 199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301.
We serve clients in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
After arrest in Anne Arundel County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, and trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ or dismissal.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Anne Arundel County?
District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes in both courts.
Related Practice Areas
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Anne Arundel County
- Family Law Lawyer in Anne Arundel County
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.