Facing criminal charges in Kent County, Maryland carries serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A public lewdness lawyer Kent County can protect your rights. Contact us 24/7.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, criminal offenses are classified by the severity of the crime and the potential punishment. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for certain offenses like second-degree assault, while felonies such as first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The public lewdness lawyer near me Kent County understands these classifications. The District Court of MD for Kent County at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes these cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced criminal defense representation.
For an affordable public lewdness lawyer Kent County, the firm offers case-specific strategies. 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. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
External resources: District Court of MD for Kent County (official court website) and Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly).
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
In Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years incarceration depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Kent County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts. The office is accessible via Route 213, Route 301 nearby, Route 20. Serving Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, Betterton. Criminal defense lawyer near Kent County. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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 (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). 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 (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 (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). 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.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
It depends. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for certain offenses like second-degree assault, while felonies such as first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The classification affects where your case is heard — misdemeanors in District Court, felonies in Circuit Court.
Internal links: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI Lawyer Kent County | Divorce Lawyer Kent County | Kristen Fisher Profile | Maryland Office Location
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.