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Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer | 4,739+ Results Cases
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Criminal defense lawyer in Howard County, Maryland. 4,739+ case results firm-wide, 93%+ favorable outcomes. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 consultations. Call (888) 437-7747.
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In Howard County, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A public lewdness lawyer Howard County can protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Criminal offenses in Howard County 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 handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. A public lewdness lawyer near me Howard County understands these court procedures and can guide you through the process.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- 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 About Howard County Courts
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all criminal cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where both sides exchange evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial or plea disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
In Howard County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Possible protective order |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Possible protective order |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Possible drug treatment |
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 to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Howard County builds cases. We provide case-specific representation case-specific to your situation. An affordable public lewdness lawyer Howard County from our firm can make a difference in your case.
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team has secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing criminal charges.
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, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? Our team is ready to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
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.
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: (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 carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries 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 a public lewdness charge and indecent exposure in Maryland?
It depends on the specific circumstances. Public lewdness generally involves sexual acts in public, while indecent exposure focuses on exposing private parts. Both are serious criminal offenses in Howard County that require experienced legal representation.
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.