In Howard County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties 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. A Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County can help protect your rights and future. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. A Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County understands these court procedures and can guide you through the process.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Official Resources for Howard County Criminal Cases
For official information on Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article (CR). For court information, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County.
Insider Procedural Edge: What You Need to Know
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials. Felonies start here but move to Circuit Court for jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all cases. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical option — it avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea agreement.
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense class — from civil citations to 25 years in prison 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 |
| 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 possible | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your 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 tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We serve clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
For clients seeking a revenge porn lawyer near me Howard County, our firm provides dedicated representation. We offer an affordable revenge porn lawyer Howard County who understands the sensitive nature of these cases.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also leads on complex criminal defense matters. He founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute).
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span criminal defense, traffic, family law, and other practice areas across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Howard County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175.
Near-Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Howard County — serving Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Neighborhoods Served: Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, Laurel (partial).
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — District Court of MD for Howard County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
It depends. After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Howard County?
It depends. District Court of MD for Howard County handles misdemeanor trials, initial appearances for felonies, and bail reviews. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials, serious misdemeanor appeals, and major civil cases. Your case type determines which court has jurisdiction.
How long does a criminal case take in Howard County, Maryland?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if detained without indictment.
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.