Facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County? Maryland law carries penalties from fines to prison time. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our team, including former prosecutors, provides direct representation at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. Contact us to discuss your case.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying specific penalties. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
For more information, review the Maryland Criminal Law Code (CR) and the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County official website.
Insider Knowledge: How St. Mary’s County Courts Handle Criminal Cases
St. Mary’s County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes all cases.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical tool. It avoids a formal conviction on your record. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are also common dispositions.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: Formal charges are read, and you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or a negotiated plea agreement.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on guidelines.
In St. Mary’s County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to significant prison time, 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 | Probation, anger management classes |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, probation |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, probation, loss of voting rights |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Probation, mandatory anger management |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation, drug treatment program |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your St. Mary’s County Criminal Case?
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 has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its case.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating his deep commitment to shaping the law. Our attorneys have the experience and track record to handle your criminal defense needs in St. Mary’s County.
Case Results in St. Mary’s County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices here — 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 for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving St. Mary’s County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County? We are here to help.
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 St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, such as the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Maryland?
A Nolle Prosequi means the prosecutor drops the charges entirely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but inactive. If you stay out of trouble for a specified period, the Stet can lead to dismissal and expungement. Both are favorable outcomes.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.