Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Options?
A criminal charge in Anne Arundel County is a serious matter, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years in jail under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Maryland Criminal Law and Anne Arundel County Procedures
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the state’s Criminal Law Article. In Anne Arundel County, misdemeanor trials are held at the District Court on Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis, while felony jury trials proceed to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a background in handling complex criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). For court-specific information, visit the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy
In Anne Arundel County, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many first-time, non-violent offenses. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Knowing how to beat criminal charges lawyer Anne Arundel County strategies often involve challenging the evidence presented by the State’s Attorney’s office early in the process.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor for dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charges.
- Trial or Disposition: 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 or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge imposes sentence. If granted PBJ, you are placed on probation without a conviction.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement of your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the charge classification and specific circumstances of the case.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible for DV-related | Protective order, no contact |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory drug assessment, probation |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record, parole supervision |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience and Local Practice
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. With a combined 120+ years of legal experience, our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how cases are built. We focus on providing full representation for clients facing criminal charges in Maryland. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to client defense.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His multi-state practice and background in accounting and information systems offer an advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Documented Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts. We represent individuals from Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
It depends. 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel 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 in Annapolis. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel 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 for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
How can a criminal charge defense lawyer Anne Arundel County help me?
A lawyer can protect your rights, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges, represent you at all court hearings, file motions to challenge evidence, advise you on the long-term consequences of any plea, and provide representation at trial if necessary.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance regarding your specific situation.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and with related matters such as DUI/DWI defense in Anne Arundel County.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.