Facing criminal charges in Washington County, Maryland? The District Court of MD for Washington County handles misdemeanors and initial felony appearances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Your defense starts with a call to (888) 437-7747.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors like second-degree assault (up to 10 years) to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The Maryland Criminal Law Article § 4-101 defines assault classifications. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, we understand how these statutes apply to your specific situation in Washington County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources for Washington County Criminal Cases
- Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Washington County — Official Court Website
Local Court Process in Washington County
Washington County District Court at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740 handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes these cases.
- Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, a District Court commissioner sets bail at the Washington County Detention Center.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: Formal charges are read; you enter a plea. Misdemeanors proceed in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials in District Court; felony jury trials in Washington County Circuit Court.
- Disposition: Options include PBJ, Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped), Stet (inactive docket), or conviction with sentencing.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to multi-year prison sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible protective order; firearm prohibition |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible expungement after 3 years |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; permanent record without expungement |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; possible sex offender registration if sexual component |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | 6-month license suspension | Possible probation; drug treatment program |
| 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 Washington County Criminal Case?
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 team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Washington County builds cases. We provide case-specific strategies for each client’s situation. Advocacy Without Borders.
Case Results in Washington County and Beyond
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. actively practices in Washington 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 — 199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65.
Criminal defense lawyer near Washington County — serving Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Washington County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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; felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a criminal case take in Washington County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Felony cases in Circuit Court take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule) applies to felony jury trials from first appearance.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Washington County DUI Lawyer
- Washington County Family Law Lawyer
- Our Maryland Office
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.