Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, MD — What Are Your Options?
A misdemeanor conviction in Montgomery County can carry up to 10 years in jail for offenses like second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate.
Maryland Misdemeanor Law and Penalties
Maryland classifies misdemeanors by the maximum penalty allowed. Common misdemeanors prosecuted at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County include second-degree assault, theft under $1,500, and disorderly conduct. The penalties vary significantly by offense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our team includes former Maryland prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County builds cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly website). For court-specific procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Montgomery County Misdemeanor Court Process
In Montgomery County, all misdemeanor trials are held at the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the frequent use of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), a disposition that avoids a formal conviction if probation is completed successfully.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions 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 before a District Court judge.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. If eligible, the judge may grant PBJ instead of a conviction.
- Expungement: For qualifying outcomes like PBJ (after a 3-year wait), dismissal, or acquittal, you can petition to have the record expunged.
Potential Penalties for Montgomery County Misdemeanors
In Montgomery County, misdemeanor penalties range from 90 days to 10 years of incarceration, plus fines up to $2,500, depending on the specific charge.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Montgomery County Misdemeanor Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our Maryland team is led by former prosecutors who know how cases are built and resolved in Montgomery County courtrooms. We provide full representation, from the initial bail hearing to trial or negotiation.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Our firm has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), reductions, and favorable plea agreements. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ case results. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background in accounting and information systems offers a unique advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Contact Our Montgomery County Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We represent individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, and surrounding communities. If you need a misdemeanor defense lawyer near me Montgomery County, we are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Montgomery County FAQ
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the District Court of MD for Montgomery County where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery 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 of MD for Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties—second-degree assault up to 10 years, theft up to 6 months. An affordable misdemeanor defense lawyer Montgomery County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
How much does a misdemeanor defense lawyer cost in Montgomery County?
It depends. Fees vary based on the charge complexity, potential penalties, and whether the case goes to trial. Many firms, including ours, offer payment plans. The cost of a lawyer should be weighed against the long-term cost of a conviction on your record.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you are facing other charges, explore our related services: Montgomery County DUI Lawyer and Montgomery County Family Lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.