Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
A criminal charge in Montgomery County, Maryland, can lead to severe penalties, including jail time and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges like assault, theft, and drug offenses in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Our firm has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in this locality.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is defined by the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses are classified as felonies or misdemeanors, with penalties ranging from fines to decades in prison. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this statutory knowledge to build case-specific defenses.
Official Maryland Criminal Law Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the official Maryland General Assembly website. For court-specific procedures in Montgomery County, refer to the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Local Court Process for a Criminal Charge Defense Lawyer Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, the District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record for many offenses. Understanding how to beat criminal charges lawyer Montgomery County often involves strategic use of dispositions like PBJ, Nolle Prosequi (dropped charges), or Stet (inactive docket).
- Initial Appearance: Appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Arraignment: Hear the formal charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition like PBJ or dismissal.
- Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence, which may include probation, fines, or incarceration.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry a wide range of penalties, from fines for minor theft to decades in prison for serious felonies like first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft Under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal Record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal Record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective Order Possible |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible Suspension | Mandatory Drug Assessment |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Court’s Discretion | None | Violent Felony Record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in Maryland Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who provides direct insight into how the State’s Attorney’s office builds cases. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 firm-wide case results, we apply deep legal knowledge to each client’s situation.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), reductions, and favorable plea agreements like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). For instance, Mr. Sris has secured dismissals in complex cases, including child pornography charges in Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
Criminal defense lawyer near Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center. We serve neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after 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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery 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 the District Court. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
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. An attorney at the District Court can negotiate PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal. Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County at (888) 437-7747.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring area, consider our services in Prince George’s County or Howard County. For other legal needs in Montgomery County, we also assist with DUI/DWI and family law matters. Learn more about Kristen Fisher’s background or our Maryland office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.