In Somerset 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. Your defense starts with a former prosecutor who understands Somerset County courts.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Somerset County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses by classification. Misdemeanors include theft under $1,500, second-degree assault, and drug possession. Felonies include first-degree assault (up to 25 years) and theft over $25,000. The District Court of MD for Somerset County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Somerset County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your defense.
Review the official Maryland statutes: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101 (official Maryland General Assembly) for offense classifications. For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Somerset County official website.
Somerset County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Somerset County prosecutes. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pretrial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial or plea negotiation — PBJ, Stet, or Nolle Prosequi options.
- Sentencing or expungement after case resolution.
In Somerset County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25-year felony sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential protective order |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record; potential restitution |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record; potential protective order |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record; potential drug treatment |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record; potential asset forfeiture |
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. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm’s tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris also handles criminal defense matters in Somerset County. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and has over 120 years of combined legal experience across the firm.
SRIS actively practices in Somerset County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland, SRIS has secured dismissals, PBJ dispositions, and reduced charges for clients facing criminal charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Somerset County courts. The location is accessible via Route 13 and Route 413. We serve Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, and Deal Island.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Somerset County? We are here to help.
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.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Somerset 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 Somerset County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Somerset 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 Somerset County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Somerset County, Maryland?
After arrest in Somerset 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 Somerset County. Felonies go to Somerset County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Somerset 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 Somerset County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Somerset County?
It depends. Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges permanently. Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are favorable dispositions that avoid a conviction. Stet cases can be expunged immediately.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. Also explore Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer. For related practice areas in Somerset County, see DUI Lawyer Somerset County or Divorce Lawyer Somerset County.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor. Visit our Maryland office location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.