In Charles County, Maryland, a criminal charge can lead to serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A former prosecutor on staff provides strategic defense at District Court of MD for Charles County.
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies based on the potential penalty. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement procedures.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Review the official Maryland criminal statutes at Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Charles County official website.
Charles County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Appear for your initial bail review within 24 hours if detained.
- Request a public defender if you meet income eligibility guidelines.
- Attend arraignment to enter a plea.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a PBJ or dismissal.
- If no agreement, proceed to trial in District Court.
- File for expungement after the waiting period if your case is resolved favorably.
In Charles County, Maryland, criminal penalties range 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 | Protective order possible |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Treatment program may be ordered |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” The firm’s criminal defense team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in Charles County.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles criminal defense matters in Charles County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Charles County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Charles County courts, accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, and Route 5. We serve La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville. 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, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles 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 Charles County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Charles 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 Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, and trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Charles County. Felonies go to Charles County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Charles County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Charles County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
It depends on the potential penalty. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years in prison for the most serious offenses. Felonies carry more than 10 years. The classification affects where your case is heard — misdemeanors in District Court, felonies in Circuit Court.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in a neighboring jurisdiction, see our Montgomery County criminal defense lawyer or Prince George’s County criminal defense lawyer pages. For other legal needs in Charles County, consider our Charles County DUI lawyer or Charles County family law lawyer pages. Learn more about our team on the Kristen Fisher attorney profile and our Maryland office location.
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.