In Howard County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County can help you understand your rights and build a defense.
Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors (theft under $100: up to 90 days) to felonies (first-degree assault: up to 25 years). The District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County understands these court procedures.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources for Howard County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Howard County (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: What You Need to Know
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of charges and enter a plea.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea disposition.
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential employment impact |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record, voting rights impact |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record, firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Howard County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County from our team understands the local court system.
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. The Rockville office is accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (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 District Court of MD for Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Howard County?
District Court of MD for Howard County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes cases in both courts.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.