In Charles County, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from fines to 25 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Securities Fraud Lawyer Charles County can help protect your rights at District Court of MD for Charles County.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Charles County Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law defines offenses in the Criminal Law Article (CR). Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison. Theft over $1,500 is a felony with up to 5 years. Drug possession (non-marijuana) is a misdemeanor with up to 4 years. A Securities Fraud Lawyer Charles County understands these classifications and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law Code (CR) and the District Court of MD for Charles County website for court procedures.
Insider Procedural Edge: How Charles County Criminal Cases Work
Charles County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes all cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
In Charles County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | 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, voting rights affected |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Charles 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. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, leads our criminal defense practice in Charles County. Her prosecutorial background provides direct insight into how the State’s Attorney for Charles County builds cases.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Charles County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements across Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Charles County Criminal Defense Lawyer Location
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Charles County courts, accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, and Route 5. We serve La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Charles County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles 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 Charles County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Charles 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 Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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 Charles County. Felonies go to Charles County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Charles 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 Charles County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Charles County?
District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule) applies to felony jury trials from first appearance.
Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Charles County DUI Lawyer — Charles County Family Law Lawyer
Attorney Profile: Kristen M. Fisher | Location: Maryland Office
Last verified: 2026-04. Information current 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.