Felony Defense Lawyer Howard County — Protecting Your Future
A felony charge in Howard County, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge lawyer Howard County must handle with immediate attention. Felonies like theft over $1,500, first-degree assault, and drug distribution carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison. As a felony defense lawyer Howard County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Maryland Felony Charges and Statutes
In Maryland, felonies are the most serious category of crimes, defined by statutes that carry potential state prison sentences exceeding one year. The specific penalties are outlined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For example, theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 7-104(g), punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. First-degree assault under § 3-202 can result in up to 25 years. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses deep knowledge of these statutes to build defenses.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal laws, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures and local rules for Howard County cases can be found on the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Howard County Felony Defense Process
The process for a felony in Howard County begins with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. The case then proceeds to a preliminary hearing in District Court to determine probable cause. If bound over, the case is indicted by a grand jury and transferred to Howard County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or upon receiving a summons.
- Attend the initial appearance and bail review hearing in District Court.
- Challenge the state’s evidence at the preliminary hearing.
- Engage in pre-trial negotiations with the State’s Attorney’s office.
- Prepare for and proceed to a jury trial in Howard County Circuit Court if no acceptable plea agreement is reached.
- Address sentencing and post-trial motions, including appeals if necessary.
Potential Penalties for Felony Convictions
In Howard County, a felony conviction carries severe consequences including lengthy prison terms, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, permanent felony record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime designation, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums, asset forfeiture |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | None | Considered a crime of violence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Howard County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings substantial authority to felony cases in Howard County. Founded in 1997, our firm combines over 120 years of legal experience. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases. We focus on a case-specific approach, examining police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence for weaknesses. For a serious criminal charge lawyer Howard County residents trust, our documented firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Case Results for Felony Charges
Our firm’s strategic defense has achieved positive results in serious cases. In one instance, we defended a client facing felony drug distribution charges where the evidence was challenged on procedural grounds, skilled to a favorable pre-trial resolution. In another, a felony theft charge was reduced to a misdemeanor after demonstrating flaws in the valuation of the alleged stolen property.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near Howard County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients at Howard County courts in Ellicott City. We are accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32. If you need a felony defense lawyer near Columbia, Ellicott City, or Elkridge, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Felony Defense FAQs for Howard County
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The main difference is the potential prison sentence. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in a local jail, while a felony carries a potential state prison sentence exceeding 1 year, often up to 5, 10, 20, or 25 years depending on the specific crime.
Can a felony charge be reduced in Howard County?
Yes. An experienced felony charge defense lawyer Howard County can often negotiate with the State’s Attorney to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor through a plea agreement. Success depends on case facts, evidence strength, criminal history, and the skill of your attorney in presenting mitigating factors.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for a felony?
The preliminary hearing is held in District Court. The state must show probable cause that a crime was committed and you likely committed it. It is a critical stage where your attorney can cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence, potentially getting charges dismissed or reduced before the case goes to Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Howard County?
Absolutely. The consequences of a felony conviction are severe and lifelong. A public defender may be appointed if you qualify, but a private felony defense lawyer Howard County can provide more dedicated, personalized attention and resources to build the strongest possible defense.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a felony in Maryland?
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict, avoiding a formal conviction. While available for some felonies in Howard County, it is not guaranteed and requires a skilled attorney to argue for it based on your background and case specifics.
Can a felony be expunged from my record in Maryland?
It depends. Under Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act, expungement is possible for some non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 10-15 years). Acquittals, dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), and Stet dockets are always eligible for expungement. A lawyer can review your specific record.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.