Felony Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Montgomery County, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison and lasting consequences. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, felonies like theft over $1,500 carry up to 5 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides dedicated defense for these serious cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Understanding Felony Charges in Montgomery County
A felony is the most serious category of crime under Maryland law. In Montgomery County, felonies such as first-degree assault, drug distribution, and theft over $1,500 are prosecuted in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. These charges are defined by statute, primarily in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). The classification determines the potential penalties, which are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a foundational understanding of how the prosecution builds cases. This insight is critical when facing a serious criminal charge lawyer Montgomery County prosecutors will aggressively pursue.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal laws, refer to the Maryland General Assembly statute portal. Court procedures and information for Montgomery County can be found at the District Court of Maryland’s official website.
Local Court Process for a Felony Charge
The process for a felony in Montgomery County begins with an initial appearance at the District Court on East Jefferson Street in Rockville. If the case proceeds, it is forwarded to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County leads the prosecution. A key local procedural fact is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which can avoid a formal conviction for some felony offenses, though it is not guaranteed.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Preliminary Hearing: If detained, a bail review is held within 24 hours. A preliminary hearing may be scheduled to determine probable cause.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: The case is transferred to Circuit Court, where you are formally arraigned and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with prosecutors.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases resolve through negotiation. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on Maryland guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Felony Convictions
In Montgomery County, a felony conviction carries severe penalties including years of imprisonment, thousands in fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and voting rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Permanent felony record; restitution |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime record; firearm prohibition |
| Drug Distribution (CDS) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums for certain weights/quantities |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom. Firm founder Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, and our Maryland team includes Kristen Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. This prosecutorial background provides a distinct advantage in anticipating the state’s strategy and building an effective defense for your serious criminal charge.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
In Montgomery County, our attorneys have documented case results across all practice areas. While every case is unique, our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. For instance, Mr. Sris has successfully navigated complex felony cases, applying strategic defense methods honed over decades.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near Montgomery County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We represent individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
Felony Defense FAQs in Montgomery County
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 felony record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). The Justice Reinvestment Act also expanded expungement for many non-violent convictions. Felony cases in Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, either District or Circuit Court.
What happens after a felony arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After a felony arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) a preliminary hearing may be held, (4) the case is sent to Montgomery County Circuit Court for arraignment, (5) pre-trial proceedings, and (6) either plea negotiation or a jury trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony in Montgomery County?
Yes. Maryland felonies carry severe penalties—theft over $1,500 carries up to 5 years, and first-degree assault carries up to 25 years. An experienced felony defense lawyer Montgomery County can challenge evidence, negotiate for reduced charges or PBJ, and protect your rights at every stage in Circuit Court.
What’s the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for a felony?
Felony cases start in District Court for initial appearances and bail. However, only the Montgomery County Circuit Court can conduct felony jury trials and impose felony sentences. All serious felony proceedings ultimately take place in the Circuit Court.
If you are facing a felony charge, contact a felony defense lawyer Montgomery County immediately. For other legal needs in the area, consider our Montgomery County DUI lawyer or Montgomery County family law attorney. For a broader view of our services, visit our Maryland criminal defense hub or see how we assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County.
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.