In Washington 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. Contact us for a consultation.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland — What Are Your Rights?
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. This statute defines criminal offenses, classifications, and penalties across the state. In Washington County, the District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies, while the Washington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes criminal cases in this jurisdiction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has extensive experience handling criminal cases in Washington County courts.
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code — Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court information, see the District Court of MD for Washington County (official Maryland Courts website).
- 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.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery phase.
- Trial or plea negotiation — misdemeanors in District Court, felonies in Circuit Court.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to felony sentences carrying decades of incarceration.
| 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 under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. In Maryland sex crimes cases, results include a Nolle Prosequi for Child Pornography Promote/Distribute charges in Baltimore County and a disposition of 5 years incarceration all suspended with supervised probation for Possess Child Pornography in Baltimore County.
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, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Washington County? We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal 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) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Washington County. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Washington County?
District Court handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases in both courts. The District Court is at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
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.