Rape Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland — What Are Your Legal Options?
In Washington County, rape charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-303 carry penalties up to life imprisonment. A Rape Defense Lawyer Washington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides former prosecutor insight. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-303 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines rape as vaginal intercourse without consent, by force or threat of force, or when the victim is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-303, first-degree rape carries life imprisonment. Second-degree rape under § 3-304 carries up to 20 years. A Rape Defense Lawyer Washington County understands these statutes and how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence at District Court of MD for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740).
For the full text of Maryland’s rape statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-303 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Washington County official website.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours.
- Preliminary Hearing: Within 30 days if detained without indictment. The State must show probable cause.
- Indictment or Information: Felony rape cases proceed to Washington County Circuit Court via grand jury indictment.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions to suppress or dismiss, and negotiates with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial or Plea: Jury trial in Circuit Court or negotiated disposition. Rape carries mandatory sex offender registration.
In Washington County, rape charges under Md. Code § 3-303 carry life imprisonment for first-degree and up to 20 years for second-degree.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Rape | Felony | Life imprisonment | Up to $100,000 | None | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of firearm rights |
| Second-Degree Rape | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $100,000 | None | Mandatory sex offender registration; loss of firearm rights |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 Rape Defense Lawyer Washington County team includes former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who provides firsthand prosecutorial insight into how the State’s Attorney for Washington County builds rape cases. This experience allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and construct a strong defense.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees all sex crimes cases. He is a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience and is admitted to practice in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In similar sex crimes cases in Maryland, SRIS has achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) on child pornography promotion/distribution charges and probation dispositions on possession charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. The District Court of MD for Washington County is located at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740, accessible via I-81 and I-70. We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
Looking for a Rape Defense Lawyer Washington County near you? We are near Antietam National Battlefield and the Washington County Courthouse.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington County, Maryland?
No. PBJ is not available for rape convictions in Maryland. Rape is a felony that requires mandatory sex offender registration and carries life imprisonment. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies at District Court of MD for Washington County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged for a rape charge in Washington County?
It depends. If the charge results in acquittal, dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet, you may be eligible for expungement. Convictions for rape cannot be expunged under Maryland law. Cases are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a rape arrest in Washington 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) preliminary hearing within 30 days if detained without indictment, (4) grand jury indictment for felony rape, (5) arraignment in Circuit Court, (6) trial or plea.
Do I need a lawyer for a rape charge in Washington County?
Yes. Rape charges carry life imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can challenge evidence, negotiate with the State’s Attorney, and build a defense. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree rape in Maryland?
First-degree rape under Md. Code § 3-303 involves force or threat of force, or when the victim is mentally incapacitated, and carries life imprisonment. Second-degree rape under § 3-304 involves vaginal intercourse without consent but without the aggravating factors, carrying up to 20 years.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.