Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland — What Are Your Legal Options?
If you face criminal charges in Kent County, Maryland, the consequences can include jail time and a permanent record. An experienced Expungement Lawyer Kent County can help protect your future. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 4-101 (official Maryland General Assembly)
In Maryland, criminal offenses are defined under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The classification of a crime — whether misdemeanor or felony — determines the potential penalties and court where your case is heard. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-203, while first-degree assault is a felony under § 3-202. Understanding the specific statute you are charged under is the first step in building a defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has deep experience with Maryland criminal statutes.
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Kent County website.
In Kent County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on non-violent charges. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. However, the State’s Attorney for Kent County evaluates each case individually. Acting quickly to secure representation can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere) and receive a trial date.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court. Your attorney negotiates or litigates.
- Disposition: Outcomes include dismissal, PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction with sentencing.
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from fines and probation to significant prison time.
| 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 (6 months) | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Kent County builds cases. We provide case-specific defense strategies for each client. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, former prosecutor and founder of the firm since 1997, who provides strategic oversight on complex criminal matters.
SRIS actively practices in Kent County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts. The District Court of MD for Kent County is located at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620, accessible via Route 213 and Route 301.
Looking for a criminal record expungement lawyer Kent County near you? We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. An Expungement Lawyer Kent County can guide you through the process.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent 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 Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How do I find a how to clear criminal record lawyer Kent County?
You can find a how to clear criminal record lawyer Kent County by contacting Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We handle expungement cases in Kent County and can evaluate your eligibility. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.