In Harford County, Maryland, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from civil citations to 25 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Your defense starts with a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Harford County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from civil infractions to serious felonies. The Maryland General Assembly classifies crimes by severity, with misdemeanors carrying up to 10 years and felonies up to 25 years or more. The Maryland Criminal Law Article § 4-101 defines assault classifications. The District Court of MD for Harford County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies.
For the official Maryland Criminal Law statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Harford County website.
- Appear for your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Attend your bail review hearing within 24 hours if you remain detained.
- File a motion for discovery and review the State’s evidence against you.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for Harford County for a favorable disposition.
- If no agreement, proceed to trial in District Court for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- If convicted, file for expungement after the waiting period under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
In Harford County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties from civil citations to 25 years in prison, with fines up to $25,000.
| 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 $25,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Treatment evaluation |
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 and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases.
SRIS actively practices in Harford County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges across Maryland courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Harford County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 1, Route 24, Route 40, Route 543.
Criminal defense lawyer near Bel Air, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, Edgewood, Fallston, Jarrettsville, Forest Hill.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Harford 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 Harford County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Harford 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 Harford County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Harford County, Maryland?
After arrest in Harford County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Harford County. Felonies go to Harford County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Harford 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 Harford County can negotiate PBJ or dismissal.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Harford County?
It depends. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years in jail and are tried in District Court. Felonies carry more than 10 years and go to Circuit Court for jury trials. The classification affects your rights, potential penalties, and expungement eligibility.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. 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.