In Howard County, 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. An Insider Trading Lawyer Howard County can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The statute covers everything from theft and assault to drug offenses and fraud. For theft, the classification depends on value: theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail; theft between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor with up to 6 months; theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with up to 5 years. First-degree assault carries up to 25 years. The Maryland Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand knowledge of how the State’s Attorney for Howard County builds cases.
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County official website.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea — not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence and your attorney files motions.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors; preliminary hearing and Circuit Court for felonies.
- Post-disposition options including PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or expungement.
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s 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. The court at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 serves Howard County.
In Howard 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
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 across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span criminal defense, DUI/DWI, traffic, family law, and other practice areas across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. The location is accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? Our firm provides representation for clients throughout the area.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at District Court of MD for Howard County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, and trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Howard County?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but inactive, and the case can be expunged after a waiting period. Both are common dispositions in Howard County District Court.
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.