In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results in Montgomery County (95% favorable outcome rate). A Revenge Porn Lawyer Montgomery County can help protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Law in Montgomery County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law covers a wide range of offenses from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The primary statutes governing criminal offenses are found in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). For theft offenses, penalties vary by value: theft under $100 carries up to 90 days; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months; theft $1,500-$25,000 is a felony carrying up to 5 years. First-degree assault carries up to 25 years. Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) carries up to 4 years. Marijuana under 10g is a civil citation with a $100 fine.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
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Insider Procedural Edge: What You Need to Know About Montgomery County Courts
Montgomery County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Montgomery County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes all cases.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. This happens within 24 hours of arrest if you are detained.
- Bail Review: If detained, you have a bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours. The court can release you on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this happens at District Court. For felonies, this happens at Circuit Court.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews the evidence and files any pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court. Felonies go to Circuit Court for jury trial. Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a favorable resolution.
- Disposition: Possible outcomes include dismissal, Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped), Stet (inactive docket), PBJ (probation without conviction), or conviction with sentencing.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties ranging 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 | Criminal record; possible protective order |
| 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 | Criminal record; restitution; loss of voting rights |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record; firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Criminal record; possible treatment program |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense in Montgomery County?
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. Our firm has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York, with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients across multiple states and practice areas.
In Montgomery County, our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases. This insider perspective allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and negotiate effectively for PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or dismissal.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, who brings over 25 years of experience and a background as a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Case Results in Montgomery County, Maryland
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. These results include dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ dispositions, and reduced charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Montgomery County Location
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.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave). We are near Rockville Town Square, Bethesda Row, and the Montgomery County Government Center.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Serving: Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Montgomery County
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. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Montgomery County. After 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 court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
It depends. 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 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 Montgomery County?
District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes in both courts. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days; felony cases take 3-12 months.
Related Resources
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.