Facing criminal charges in Washington 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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. Your defense starts now.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. This body of law defines offenses ranging from theft and assault to drug crimes and homicide. The Maryland General Assembly regularly updates these statutes, and local courts in Washington County interpret and apply them. Understanding the specific statute you are charged under is the first step in building a defense. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has deep experience with Maryland criminal procedure.
Review the official Maryland criminal statutes at Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and local rules, visit the District Court of MD for Washington County website.
In Washington County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on eligible charges. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After successful completion of probation, you may be eligible for expungement after a 3-year waiting period. This is a critical opportunity to protect your future.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release. This happens within 24 hours of arrest if you are detained.
- Bail Review: If you are detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. Your attorney can argue for release on personal recognizance or reduced bail.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this happens at the District Court of MD for Washington County at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney reviews the evidence, files motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiates with the prosecutor. This is where PBJ or Nolle Prosequi may be discussed.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court. Your attorney will advise on whether to accept a plea or proceed to trial.
- Post-Disposition: If you receive PBJ, complete probation. After 3 years, file for expungement to clear your record. If charges are dismissed or you are found not guilty, expungement is immediate.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to felony sentences carrying decades of incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible; firearm prohibition |
| Theft ($100 – $1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible PBJ |
| Theft ($1,500 – $25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; felony record |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment evaluation; possible PBJ |
| CDS Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimums may apply; asset forfeiture |
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 firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases. We bring this experience to every Washington County criminal defense case.
Secondary attorney: Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor; founded firm 1997; personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3; Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Examples of our work in Maryland include a Nolle Prosequi on a Child Pornography Promote/Distribute charge in Baltimore County and a 5-year suspended sentence with probation for Possess Child Pornography in Baltimore County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Washington County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. Accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, Route 65.
Near-Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Washington County — serving Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, Funkstown.
Neighborhoods Served: Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, Funkstown.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Address: 199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States. By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — the District Court of MD for Washington County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington 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 Washington County. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Washington County?
It depends on the charge. District Court of MD for Washington County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Washington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases in both courts.
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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.