Facing criminal charges in Somerset County, Maryland? A conviction can mean jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our team includes former prosecutors who know how the District Court of MD for Somerset County operates. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Criminal Law in Somerset County, Maryland: Statutory Definition
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 Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement, including for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) after a 3-year waiting period. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled thousands of criminal cases across Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Somerset County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Somerset County (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: Somerset County Criminal Defense
In Somerset County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer PBJ for first-time offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanors stay in District Court; felonies move to Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files suppression motions if needed.
- Trial or Plea: Negotiate PBJ, Stet, or dismissal. If no deal, trial in District Court (judge only) or Circuit Court (jury available).
- Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, or PBJ completion, file for expungement under Criminal Procedure § 6-220.
In Somerset County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense class — from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to 25 years for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment evaluation |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil Citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Somerset 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, we have documented 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who provides firsthand insight into how Somerset County prosecutors build cases. We handle criminal defense across all Maryland courts, including the District Court of MD for Somerset County and Somerset County Circuit Court.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Somerset County. 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.
Contact Our Somerset County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Maryland Location: Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment only)
Distance: Our Rockville location serves clients at Somerset County courts, accessible via Route 13 and Route 413.
Near-Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, and Deal Island.
Neighborhoods Served: Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, Deal Island.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Somerset County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Somerset 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 Somerset County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Somerset 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 Somerset County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — District Court of MD for Somerset County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Somerset County, Maryland?
After arrest in Somerset 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 Somerset County. Felonies go to Somerset County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Somerset 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 Somerset County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a criminal case take in Somerset County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanors typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felonies take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if detained without indictment.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Somerset County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Somerset County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Maryland Office Location
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.