Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Facing criminal charges in Kent County, Maryland carries penalties up to 25 years for first-degree assault 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. Former prosecutors on staff provide strong defense at District Court of MD for Kent County.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Criminal charges in Kent County range from misdemeanors like theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The District Court of MD for Kent County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Kent County Circuit Court. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition allows you to avoid a formal conviction on your record for many offenses. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ after a 3-year waiting period under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Kent County website.
Insider Procedural Edge for Kent County Criminal Cases
In Kent County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer PBJ for first-time offenders on non-violent charges. The State’s Attorney for Kent County evaluates cases individually. Understanding local prosecutor tendencies gives your defense a strategic advantage.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. Your attorney can argue for release or reduced conditions.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Your attorney can negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition like PBJ or Nolle Prosequi.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court. Felonies proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial. Your attorney negotiates the best outcome.
- Post-Disposition: If you receive PBJ, complete probation. After 3 years, file for expungement to clear your record.
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; possible protective order |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record; restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record; restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record; restitution; loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Felony record; possible firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record; possible treatment requirement |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record |
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 your 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. We provide case-specific strategies case-specific to your charges and the local court system.
Our attorneys practice in all Maryland courts, including the District Court of MD for Kent County and Kent County Circuit Court. We know the local procedures, judges, and prosecutors. This local knowledge gives your defense a practical advantage.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Kent County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Your Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Kent County
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts. We are accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20.
Near Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Kent County? We represent clients throughout the Eastern Shore, including Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Neighborhoods Served: Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, Betterton.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
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.
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.
How long does a criminal case take in Kent County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.