Facing criminal charges in Kent County, Maryland carries serious consequences — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail 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 Indecent Exposure Lawyer Kent County can help protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Kent County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The District Court of MD for Kent County at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felony cases. Felony jury trials proceed to the Kent County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes all criminal matters in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources for Kent County Criminal Cases
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) § 1-101 for statutory definitions and classifications. For court procedures and local rules, visit the District Court of MD for Kent County official website.
How Criminal Cases Proceed in Kent County District Court
After an arrest in Kent County, the process moves quickly. The initial appearance before a District Court commissioner sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Misdemeanor trials are scheduled within 30-90 days. Felony cases proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial with a 180-day speedy trial rule (Hicks date) applying from first appearance.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets conditions of release — personal recognizance, bail, or supervised release.
- Bail Review: If detained, a judge reviews the bail decision within 24 hours at the District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere. The court sets a trial date.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court. Felony trials proceed to Circuit Court. Plea negotiations may result in PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet disposition.
- Post-Disposition: If eligible, expungement is available after acquittal, dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or PBJ (after 3-year waiting period).
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to 25 years for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible; firearm prohibition |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required; potential PBJ eligibility |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; potential immigration consequences |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Mandatory firearm prohibition; serious felony record |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Treatment evaluation may be ordered |
| Marijuana (under 10g) | Civil Citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record; citation only |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Kent County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Kent County builds cases — giving you a strategic advantage from the first court appearance.
Our Indecent Exposure Lawyer Kent County team understands the local court procedures at the District Court of MD for Kent County and the Kent County Circuit Court. We provide case-specific defense strategies case-specific to your charges and circumstances.
Case Results in Kent County and Throughout Maryland
SRIS actively practices in Kent County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team has secured dismissals, Nolle Prosequi dispositions, and Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for clients facing serious charges across Maryland.
In one Maryland sex crimes case, our team secured a Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor dropped charges) for a client charged with Child Pornography Promote/Distribute under Maryland Code CR.11.207.(a)(4). In another case, a client facing Possess Child Pornography charges under Maryland Code CR.11.208 received 5 years incarceration with ALL suspended and 5 years supervised probation.
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 Kent County courts. The District Court of MD for Kent County is accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20. We serve the communities of Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Looking for a public indecency defense lawyer Kent County? Our team handles all types of criminal charges, including indecent exposure, assault, theft, drug offenses, and more. We are available 24/7 for phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
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 after 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 — the District Court of MD for Kent County or the Kent County Circuit Court.
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 carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries 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.
What is the difference between Nolle Prosequi and Stet in Maryland?
It depends. Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently — the case is over. Stet places the case on an inactive docket; the State can reopen it within one year. Both are eligible for immediate expungement, but Nolle Prosequi provides finality while Stet leaves the case technically pending.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Kent County?
3 years. Under Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220, you must wait 3 years from the date the PBJ was entered before filing for expungement. The waiting period applies to both misdemeanor and felony PBJ dispositions. Contact an exposure charge dismissed lawyer Kent County to discuss your eligibility.
Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — Return to the Maryland criminal defense hub page.
Related localities: Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Related services in Kent County: DUI/DWI Lawyer Kent County | Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Kent County
Meet our team: Kristen M. Fisher — Former Prosecutor
Visit our location: Rockville/MD Location — by appointment only
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.