Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Facing a criminal charge in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, requires immediate action. A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent record. As a Criminal Defense Lawyer St Marys County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Defense
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony carrying up to 5 years imprisonment. The specific penalties you face depend on the charge, your criminal history, and the circumstances of your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court-specific information, visit the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
Local Court Process in St. Mary’s County
All criminal cases in St. Mary’s County begin at the District Court located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. Misdemeanors are tried there, while felonies are sent to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for jury trial. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation.
- 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 & Negotiation: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial (District Court) or jury trial (Circuit Court).
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence which may include jail, probation, fines, and other conditions.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In St. Mary’s County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation for minor misdemeanors to decades in prison for serious felonies, with long-term consequences for your record, employment, and housing.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft Under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact with victim |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, difficulty finding employment |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory drug assessment, probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Maryland Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the other side builds a case. This insight is invaluable when developing a defense strategy for your criminal charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County needs.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in St. Mary’s County. While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and acquittals. For instance, our attorneys have successfully secured Nolle Prosequi (dismissals) in serious cases and negotiated favorable probation terms for clients. A secondary attorney on complex matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Maryland office in Rockville serves clients throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. We are accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. Contact a criminal defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 are expunged through the St. Mary’s County court where the case was heard. An attorney can guide you through the petition process.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s 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 Leonardtown. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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. This is a key reason to consult a lawyer on how to beat criminal charges lawyer St. Mary’s County residents trust.
How quickly should I contact a lawyer after being charged?
Immediately. Early intervention by a Criminal Defense Lawyer St Marys County is critical. An attorney can contact the prosecutor before formal charges are filed, negotiate at your bail hearing, and begin building your defense strategy, often skilled to better outcomes.
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.