- Felony Defense Lawyer

Online Solicitation of a Minor Lawyer Harford County

Here is the HTML content for the Harford County criminal defense lawyer page, built according to your specifications.

In Harford County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties, from jail time to lasting records. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team, led by former prosecutors, provides a strong defense at the District Court of MD for Harford County. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.

Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Harford County | Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220 (official Maryland General Assembly)

Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in Harford County

In Maryland, criminal offenses are defined by the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison, while theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years. The specific statute and classification depend on the alleged crime. Our attorneys have deep knowledge of these statutes and how they apply in Harford County courts.

External Citation Links

Insider Procedural Edge: What We Know About Harford County Courts

In Harford County District Court, prosecutors often use the threat of a jury trial in Circuit Court to push for guilty pleas on misdemeanors. However, our former prosecutors know that the State’s Attorney’s office is often overburdened, making them more receptive to pre-trial negotiations for a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) or a Nolle Prosequi. We use this to our clients’ advantage.

Initial Appearance: You are brought before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. This happens within 24 hours of arrest.
Bail Review: If you are detained, a bail review hearing is held in District Court within 24 hours.
Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this is in District Court.
Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney reviews the evidence and files motions to suppress or dismiss.
Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony), or a plea deal is negotiated.
Sentencing or Disposition: If convicted, sentencing occurs. Options like PBJ or Stet can avoid a formal conviction.

In Harford County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation to significant prison time, depending on the charge and your prior record.

Offense	Classification	Incarceration	Fine	License Impact	Additional Consequences
Second-Degree Assault	Misdemeanor	Up to 10 years	Up to $2,500	None	Possible protective order, loss of gun rights
Theft ($1,500-$25,000)	Felony	Up to 5 years	Up to $10,000	None	Restitution, difficulty finding employment
Drug Possession (non-marijuana)	Misdemeanor	Up to 4 years	Up to $1,000	Driver’s license suspension (6 months)	Probation, drug treatment program

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Your Defense Team: Kristen M. Fisher

Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. She brings over a decade of experience in criminal defense, having prosecuted cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Her insider knowledge of prosecutorial strategy is a powerful asset for your defense. She is admitted to the Maryland Bar.

Case Results

While specific case results for Harford County are not listed, our firm-wide record demonstrates our capability. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Our team has secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing serious charges.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States

Contact Our Harford County Criminal Defense Lawyers

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747

199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850

By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.

Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Harford County courts. We are accessible via I-95, Route 1, and Route 24. We serve Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Fallston, Jarrettsville, and Forest Hill.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Harford County

What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Harford 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 District Court of MD for Harford County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.

Can I get my criminal record expunged in Harford 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 Harford County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.

What happens after a criminal arrest in Harford County, Maryland?

After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Harford County. Felonies go to Harford County Circuit Court.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Harford 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 can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.

What is the difference between a Stet and a Nolle Prosequi in Maryland?

A Nolle Prosequi means the prosecutor drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket; the state can reopen it within one year. Both can be expunged. A Stet is often used as a conditional dismissal.

Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.