Robbery Defense Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A robbery charge in St. Mary’s County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-401, carrying up to 15 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Maryland Robbery Law and Penalties
In Maryland, robbery is defined as taking property from someone else by force or threat of force. The crime is codified under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-401. Unlike theft, robbery involves an element of violence or intimidation against a person, which significantly increases the severity of the charges and potential penalties. An armed robbery defense lawyer St. Mary’s County is critical if a weapon was alleged to be involved, as this elevates the charge and mandatory penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s robbery statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-401 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules for St. Mary’s County cases are available at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County website.
Defending a Robbery Charge in St. Mary’s County
The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes robbery cases aggressively. Initial appearances and misdemeanor trials occur at the District Court at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown, while felony jury trials proceed to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. A key local procedural fact is that Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which avoids a formal conviction, is generally not available for robbery, making early and strategic defense even more critical.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence from the prosecution and conduct an independent investigation, which may include reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining police reports.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge identifications, or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the evidence, your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on statutory guidelines, your criminal history, and other factors.
Potential Penalties for Robbery in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, robbery is a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. If a dangerous weapon is used, the charge becomes armed robbery with significantly higher penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $1,000 | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| Armed Robbery | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $1,000 | Mandatory minimum sentences often apply, enhanced penalties |
| Robbery with a Firearm | Felony | 5-20 years (mandatory min.) | Up to $1,000 | Mandatory minimum sentence without parole |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Robbery Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented track record of 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we pursue every available legal avenue for your defense.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results are confidential, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. We have successfully defended clients against serious felony charges through motions to suppress evidence, challenging witness credibility, and negotiating charge reductions. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring a multi-layered defense approach.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Robbery Defense Lawyer Near St. Mary’s County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges at St. Mary’s County courts in Leonardtown. We represent individuals in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Robbery Charges in St. Mary’s County
What is the difference between robbery and theft in Maryland?
Yes, there is a major difference. Theft involves taking property without consent. Robbery, under Md. Code § 3-401, involves taking property by force or threat of force against a person. This element of violence makes robbery a much more serious felony with higher penalties, requiring an immediate consultation with a robbery defense lawyer St Marys County.
Can I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a robbery charge?
It depends, but it is highly unlikely. PBJ is a disposition that avoids a formal conviction, but Maryland law generally prohibits it for crimes of violence like robbery. An experienced armed robbery defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can explore other potential resolutions, such as negotiating a reduction to a lesser non-violent offense where PBJ might be possible.
What should I do if I am arrested for robbery?
First, remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can intervene at the initial bail hearing to argue for your release and begin building your defense strategy by securing evidence and identifying witness issues.
What are common defenses to a robbery charge?
Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, claim of right to the property, duress, and challenging the legality of the police investigation (like an unlawful search). A strong defense often involves scrutinizing surveillance footage, alibi evidence, and the reliability of eyewitness identifications made under stressful conditions.
How long does a robbery case take in St. Mary’s County?
The timeline varies. Misdemeanor cases in District Court can take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Felony robbery cases in Circuit Court typically take 3-12 months or longer, depending on case complexity, evidence, and court scheduling. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule) applies to felony jury trials from the first appearance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.