Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Options?
If you face a criminal charge in Anne Arundel County, securing a skilled criminal defense lawyer Anne Arundel County is your most critical step. Charges like assault, theft, or drug possession carry severe penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Criminal Charges in Maryland: The Legal Definition
In Maryland, criminal offenses are defined by the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The law classifies crimes as felonies or misdemeanors based on the maximum potential sentence. A felony is any offense punishable by death or imprisonment in the state penitentiary, typically for more than one year. Misdemeanors are lesser offenses but can still result in jail time. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building strong defenses against these charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Criminal Law Article on the Maryland General Assembly website. For court-specific procedures in Anne Arundel County, visit the District Court of Maryland’s Anne Arundel County directory.
Local Court Process for a Criminal Charge Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County
Understanding the local process is key for a criminal charge defense lawyer Anne Arundel County. The District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Prosecutors from the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County office routinely offer dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction. A strategic defense often involves negotiating for these outcomes or challenging the evidence before trial.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: Appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release.
- Arraignment: Formally hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor for dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charges.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or prepare for a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the offense classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible | Protective order, permanent record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | No | Restitution, civil liability |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | No | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment, probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93% firm-wide. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific details of your situation in Anne Arundel County.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements. For instance, firm-wide results include cases where serious charges like possession of child pornography resulted in suspended sentences with probation, or were dismissed entirely via Nolle Prosequi. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, leveraging his multi-state experience and unique insight into financial and technical evidence.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts. We represent individuals from Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Criminal Defense Lawyer 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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after 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, typically the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, and (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years). An attorney at the District Court can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
How to beat criminal charges lawyer Anne Arundel County?
It depends on the evidence. Strategies to beat criminal charges include filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenging the prosecution’s case for lack of proof, negotiating for a pre-trial diversion or PBJ, or presenting a strong defense at trial. An experienced lawyer analyzes the specific facts to identify the best path forward.
Related Legal Information
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. If you have other legal needs in Anne Arundel County, consider our services for DUI/DWI 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.