Felony Defense Lawyer Kent County — What Are Your Legal Options?
A felony charge in Kent County, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison and lasting consequences. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, felonies like theft over $1,500 carry up to 5 years, while first-degree assault can bring up to 25 years. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious charges.
Maryland Felony Charges and Law
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Felonies are classified by degree, with penalties outlined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101. Charges like robbery, burglary, drug distribution, and serious assaults are prosecuted as felonies in Kent County Circuit Court. The prosecution must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For Kent County court procedures and information, refer to the District Court of Maryland for Kent County website.
Local Court Process for a Felony Charge in Kent County
Felony cases in Kent County begin with an initial appearance at the District Court (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown). A commissioner sets bail. A preliminary hearing may be held to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court for a jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes these cases. Early intervention by a felony charge defense lawyer Kent County is critical for bail arguments and case strategy.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: You appear before a District Court commissioner who informs you of charges and sets bail conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: A District Court judge hears evidence to decide if the case should proceed to Circuit Court. Your lawyer can challenge the State’s evidence here.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If the case moves forward, you are formally charged in Kent County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney obtains all evidence from the State and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if rights were violated.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases resolve through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on guidelines, which can include prison, probation, fines, and restitution.
Potential Penalties for Felony Convictions
In Kent County, a felony conviction carries severe penalties including state prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and voting rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime designation |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Driver’s license suspension possible | Asset forfeiture, mandatory minimums |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Considered a crime of violence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. We understand that a felony charge defense lawyer Kent County must be both aggressive and strategic. Our team includes attorneys like Mr. Sris, who has a background in accounting useful for financial crime cases, and former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher, who knows how local State’s Attorneys build cases.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in serious cases. While every case is unique, our approach is thorough. For instance, our team has successfully negotiated for charges to be reduced from felonies to misdemeanors, argued for probation instead of incarceration, and secured dismissals where evidence was lacking. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions and a background that provides an advantage in complex financial and technical cases.
Felony Defense Lawyer Serving Kent County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges in Kent County. We are accessible to communities like Chestertown, Rock Hall, and Galena. If you need a serious criminal charge lawyer Kent County, we provide 24/7 phone consultations and 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 (Kent County Felony Defense)
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The main difference is the potential jail time. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in a county jail. Felonies are punishable by more than one year in a state prison. The long-term consequences of a felony conviction are also more severe.
Can a felony charge be reduced in Kent County?
Yes, it is possible. Through negotiations with the State’s Attorney’s Office, a felony charge defense lawyer Kent County may secure a reduction to a misdemeanor. This often depends on the evidence, the defendant’s history, and the strength of the defense’s arguments. Outcomes like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may also be available.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for a felony?
The State must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you likely committed it. It is not a trial, but your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence. If the judge finds no probable cause, the felony charge may be dismissed.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge even if I plan to plead guilty?
Absolutely. A serious criminal charge lawyer Kent County is essential even for a guilty plea. An attorney can negotiate the plea terms, argue for a favorable sentencing recommendation, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. The sentence you receive is critically important.
How long does a felony case take in Kent County?
It depends on the case’s complexity. A clear case may resolve in a few months, while one going to trial can take a year or more. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule) applies from your first appearance if you are detained, but extensions are common.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County. If you are facing other charges in Kent County, explore our services for DUI/DWI defense or family law matters.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your felony charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.