In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges range from theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to first-degree assault (up to 25 years) under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. An Expungement Lawyer Washington County can help clear your record after a dismissal or PBJ.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in Washington County
Maryland classifies criminal offenses by severity. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-203. Felonies like first-degree assault under § 3-202 carry up to 25 years. Theft offenses range from 90 days (under $100) to 5 years ($1,500-$25,000). Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) is a misdemeanor up to 4 years. Marijuana under 10g is a civil citation with a $100 fine. The District Court of MD for Washington County at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740 handles all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances.
External Citation Links
Review the official Maryland statutes: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Washington County website.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest. You may be released on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions.
- Bail Review Hearing: If detained, you get a bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours. The judge can modify conditions.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere). The court sets a trial date.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court. Felony trials go to Washington County Circuit Court. Your attorney negotiates PBJ, Stet, or Nolle Prosequi.
- Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or PBJ (after 3 years), you can petition for expungement. A criminal record expungement lawyer Washington County handles this process.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties range from 90 days for petty theft to 25 years for first-degree assault, with fines up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Probation, restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Probation, restitution |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Probation, protective order |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Probation, firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation, drug treatment |
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 over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. We are accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65. Serving Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown. Criminal defense lawyer near Washington County — call 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Washington County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. An Expungement Lawyer Washington County can help you file the petition.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 Washington County. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a criminal case take in Washington County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if detained without indictment.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Maryland?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within 1 year (or 3 years for certain offenses). Both are eligible for immediate expungement. A criminal record expungement lawyer Washington County can advise which applies to your case.
Can I get a public defender in Washington County?
Yes, if your income qualifies. The Office of the Public Defender for Washington County represents indigent defendants. Eligibility is based on federal poverty guidelines. If you do not qualify, a private Expungement Lawyer Washington County from SRIS can provide representation.
What is the Justice Reinvestment Act and how does it affect expungement?
The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility in Maryland. It allows expungement of certain non-violent convictions after a waiting period (typically 10-15 years). It also created a process for expunging multiple convictions from the same incident. An Expungement Lawyer Washington County can determine your eligibility.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
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