Trespassing Defense Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Options?
A trespassing charge in St. Mary’s County is a criminal offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-402, carrying penalties that can include jail time and fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing unlawful entry charges.
Maryland Trespassing Law and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, trespassing is defined as entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission. The specific statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-402, covers various degrees of the offense. A trespassing defense lawyer St Marys County can explain that penalties escalate based on factors like intent, whether the property is a dwelling, and if the trespass occurs on posted land. A conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, affecting employment and housing.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website (Criminal Law Article § 6-402). Court procedures for St. Mary’s County cases are handled at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County in Leonardtown.
Local Court Process for a Trespassing Charge in St. Mary’s County
If you are charged with trespassing in St. Mary’s County, your case will begin at the District Court located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. An experienced unlawful entry defense lawyer St. Mary’s County knows that prosecutors often seek convictions, but defenses exist. For example, you may have had an honest belief you had permission to be on the property, or the property may not have been properly posted with “No Trespassing” signs.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Your attorney will review the evidence, challenge weak points, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, reduction, or favorable disposition like PBJ.
- Motion Hearings: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence if your rights were violated during the arrest.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a judge. If an agreement is reached, the judge will approve the disposition.
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty or if you plead, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include fines, probation, or jail time.
- Expungement Consideration: If eligible, your attorney can later petition the court to expunge (seal) the record from public view.
Potential Penalties for Trespassing in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, trespassing penalties vary by degree but can include jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that impacts future opportunities.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespass on Posted Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal record |
| Trespass on Dwellings/Grounds | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Trespass with Malicious Intent | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Trespassing Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We are committed to “Advocacy Without Borders,” providing diligent representation for every client. Our trespassing defense lawyer St Marys County team leverages this deep experience to build effective defenses against unlawful entry charges.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific trespassing case results in St. Mary’s County are part of our confidential client record, our firm’s overall performance demonstrates our commitment to positive outcomes. Firm-wide, we have achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate of 93%+. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Our secondary attorney on complex matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions who provides strategic oversight.
Local Representation for St. Mary’s County Residents
Our Maryland office in Rockville represents clients throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. We are your local trespassing defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County courts.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Contact: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Trespassing Defense in St. Mary’s County
What should I do if I am charged with trespassing in St. Mary’s County?
Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Contact a trespassing defense lawyer St Marys County immediately. An attorney can protect your rights, explain the charges, and begin building your defense for proceedings at the District Court in Leonardtown.
Can a trespassing charge be dropped in Maryland?
It depends. The State’s Attorney may drop charges (enter a Nolle Prosequi) if the evidence is weak, your rights were violated, or through successful pre-trial negotiations by your unlawful entry defense lawyer St. Mary’s County. An attorney can petition for dismissal based on legal defects or lack of probable cause.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for trespassing?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty conviction. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors, including trespassing, at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor trespassing charge?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor can carry up to 6 months in jail and a permanent record. A lawyer can negotiate for PBJ, a reduction, or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal counsel familiar with St. Mary’s County court procedures.
Can I get a trespassing record expunged in St. Mary’s County?
Yes, in many cases. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period). An attorney can file the expungement petition with the court where your case was heard to seal the record from public view.
Related Pages: For other legal issues, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub, or learn about DUI defense in St. Mary’s County. For similar defense in a neighboring area, consider our Charles County criminal defense lawyer.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your trespassing charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.