In Kent County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years 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 public lewdness lawyer Kent County can help protect your record.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland classifies criminal offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from civil citations (marijuana under 10 grams) to misdemeanors (theft under $1,500: up to 6 months) and felonies (first-degree assault: up to 25 years). The District Court of MD for Kent County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Kent County Circuit Court. A public lewdness lawyer near me Kent County understands these classifications and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Kent County — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: How Criminal Cases Work in Kent County
Kent County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical tool — 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 State’s evidence against you.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case resolves through trial or negotiated disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet).
Penalty Ranges for Criminal Offenses in Kent County
In Kent County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil fines 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 | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Kent County Criminal Cases
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 — Advocacy Without Borders — reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating his ability to effect change at the highest levels of law. For Kent County criminal defense, we apply this same strategic approach to every case.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Kent County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Kent County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20.
Near Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Kent County — serving Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Neighborhoods Served: Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, Betterton.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Kent County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
It depends. After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Maryland?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are favorable dispositions that avoid conviction and can be expunged.
How long does a criminal case take in Kent County District Court?
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 rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of first appearance.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI/DWI Lawyer Kent County
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- Our Maryland Office
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.