Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — What Are Your Options?
A criminal charge in Montgomery County, Maryland, can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, offenses range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. A criminal defense lawyer Montgomery County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. We have 21 documented case results in this locality. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Defense
Maryland law classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison, while theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony carrying up to 5 years. The specific statute applied depends on the alleged conduct. A criminal charge defense lawyer Montgomery County analyzes the statute and evidence to build your defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). For court procedures and locations, refer to the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County website (courts.state.md.us).
Local Court Process in Montgomery County
All misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances for Montgomery County cases are held at the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. Felony jury trials proceed to the Montgomery County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases. A key local strategy involves seeking a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which avoids a formal conviction on your record if probation is completed successfully.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
- Sentencing or Probation: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence. With PBJ, you are placed on probation instead.
- Post-Case Actions: Your attorney can later file for expungement to clear eligible records from public view.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Montgomery County, criminal penalties vary widely by charge classification and prior record, ranging from fines and probation to decades in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft Under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record |
| Drug Possession (Personal) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
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 over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We focus on a strong, case-specific defense strategy. Managing Attorney Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex matters. Our approach is “Advocacy Without Borders,” meaning we use every available legal tool to protect your future.
Documented Case Results
In Montgomery County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), reductions, and favorable plea agreements such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). For instance, our team has secured PBJ dispositions for clients facing first-time drug possession and theft charges, allowing them to avoid a conviction. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic guidance on complex criminal defense matters, leveraging his multi-state experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike), near landmarks like Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center. If you need a criminal defense lawyer near Rockville or Bethesda, we can help. We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, typically the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery 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 the District Court in Rockville. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court. Bail is set at the initial appearance.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without counsel.
How to beat criminal charges lawyer Montgomery County?
It depends on the evidence and circumstances. Strategies to challenge charges include filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenging the prosecution’s proof of intent, negotiating for a pre-trial diversion program, or proving a valid defense such as self-defense. An experienced criminal defense lawyer Montgomery County can identify the best approach for your case.
Related Legal Information
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you are facing other charges in Montgomery County, consider our DUI/DWI lawyer or family law attorney.
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.