Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Facing criminal charges in Montgomery County, Maryland carries penalties ranging from 90 days to 25 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County. A Revenge Porn Lawyer Montgomery County can help protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors include theft under $1,500 (up to 6 months) and second-degree assault (up to 10 years). Felonies include first-degree assault (up to 25 years) and drug distribution (up to 20 years). The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the law.
Official Maryland Criminal Statutes and Court Resources
Review the Maryland Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly) for complete statutory definitions. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County provides local court rules and procedures.
Insider Procedural Edge: Montgomery County Criminal Defense
Montgomery County District Court prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on eligible misdemeanors. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County has specific guidelines for plea offers that vary by division.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you remain detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea and receive discovery deadlines.
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors or Circuit Court for felonies.
- Post-disposition options including expungement after acquittal, dismissal, or PBJ completion.
Penalty Ranges for Criminal Offenses in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry penalties from civil citations to 25 years incarceration 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 under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| 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 Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Montgomery County Criminal Cases
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. The firm has 4,739+ total documented case results across all practice areas with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the law. “Advocacy Without Borders” reflects the firm’s commitment to clients across multiple states and jurisdictions.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, provides secondary oversight on all Montgomery County criminal cases. Mr. Sris has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Case Results in Montgomery County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ total documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave). We serve Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. If you need a revenge porn lawyer near me Montgomery County, contact us for an affordable revenge porn lawyer Montgomery County consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense 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 with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court. Court costs range from $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ to avoid a conviction on your record or seek dismissal entirely.
What is the difference between Nolle Prosequi and Stet in Maryland?
Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges permanently — the case ends and you can seek immediate expungement. Stet places the case on an inactive docket for up to 3 years. If you avoid new charges during that period, the case can be dismissed and expunged.
How long does a criminal case take in Montgomery County?
District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30 to 90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3 to 12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days from first appearance. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if you are detained without indictment.
Related Practice Areas in Montgomery County
Explore our other legal services: Montgomery County DUI/DWI Lawyer, Montgomery County Family Law Lawyer, and Montgomery County Personal Injury Lawyer.
View our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page for statewide resources. Compare with Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher — Former MD Prosecutor. Visit our Maryland office location page for directions.
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.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.