Facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County? Maryland law carries penalties from 90 days to 25 years for serious offenses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Public Lewdness Lawyer St Marys County can help protect your record and your future. Contact us today.
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, each carrying specific penalties. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail. More serious offenses, such as first-degree assault, are felonies with penalties up to 25 years. The Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement, allowing eligible individuals to clear their records after acquittals, dismissals, or successful completion of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). For court information, see the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
- 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 of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange between your attorney and the State’s Attorney.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Sentencing hearing if convicted, or expungement filing if charges are dismissed or PBJ is completed.
In St. Mary’s County, criminal penalties range from civil fines 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 | Possible protective order |
| 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 | Possible protective order |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Possible probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
SRIS actively practices in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges across Maryland courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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 St. Mary’s County. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What should I do if I am charged with public lewdness in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. A Public Lewdness Lawyer St Marys County can evaluate your case for possible defenses, including lack of intent or mistaken identity. Contact a Public Lewdness Lawyer St Marys County immediately to discuss your options and protect your record.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 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.