Robbery Defense Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A robbery charge in St. Mary’s County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-401, carrying up to 15 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing robbery charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Robbery Law and Penalties
Robbery in Maryland is defined as taking property from someone else by force, threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear. It is distinguished from theft by the element of force or intimidation. The primary statute is Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-401. Robbery is a felony with severe penalties. An armed robbery defense lawyer St. Mary’s County is critical if a dangerous weapon was involved, as this significantly increases potential penalties.
- Initial Appearance: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner in Leonardtown for bail determination.
- Charging Document: You will receive a statement of charges or an indictment if the case proceeds to Circuit Court.
- Arraignment: You will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty in the appropriate court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal defects.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: The State may offer a plea deal; if not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on guidelines and arguments from both sides.
In St. Mary’s County, a robbery conviction carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. If a dangerous weapon was used, the charge becomes armed robbery with a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $1,000 | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment |
| Armed Robbery | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $1,000 | Mandatory minimum sentences often apply, enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of handling complex criminal matters. Our approach is to scrutinize every detail of the prosecution’s case, from the legality of the arrest to the credibility of witness identification, which is often key in robbery cases.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results are confidential, our firm-wide practice has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In complex criminal cases, our strategy involves challenging forensic evidence, witness testimony, and police procedure. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on serious felony cases, collaborating with our team of experienced attorneys.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Robbery Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland office represents clients at St. Mary’s County courts. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville.
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.
Robbery Defense Lawyer St Marys County FAQ
What is the difference between robbery and theft in Maryland?
The key difference is force or threat. Theft is taking property without consent. Robbery, under Md. Code § 3-401, involves taking property by force, threat of force, or intimidation. This element makes robbery a more serious felony.
What should I do if I am arrested for robbery in St. Mary’s County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a robbery defense lawyer St Marys County as soon as possible to protect your rights during the initial bail hearing and investigation.
Can a robbery charge be reduced in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. An experienced armed robbery defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction to a lesser charge like theft, especially if the evidence of force is weak or there are mitigating circumstances. Outcomes depend on case specifics.
What are common defenses to a robbery charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, claim of right to the property, duress, and challenging the legality of police identification procedures. A strong defense requires a detailed investigation of the facts.
How long does a robbery case take in St. Mary’s County?
A felony robbery case in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court can take 6 to 18 months from arrest to resolution, depending on case complexity, evidence, and whether it goes to trial. Misdemeanor theft cases in District Court are generally faster.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County, you may also need information on Maryland criminal defense. For charges in nearby areas, see our pages for Anne Arundel County criminal defense and Charles County criminal defense. For other legal issues in St. Mary’s County, consider DUI defense or family law matters.
Last verified: 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.