Assault and Battery Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Defense Options?
An assault and battery charge in St. Mary’s County is a serious matter under Maryland law, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Maryland Assault and Battery Laws
Maryland law defines assault and battery under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Assault generally refers to the threat of harmful or offensive contact, while battery is the actual unlawful touching. Charges are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies based on the severity of the alleged act and the status of the victim. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine, while first-degree assault is a felony with a maximum penalty of 25 years.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s assault statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). Court procedures and local rules for St. Mary’s County can be found on the Maryland Courts website (courts.state.md.us).
Local Court Process for Assault Charges in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, all misdemeanor assault trials and initial appearances for felony assaults are handled at the District Court located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. Felony jury trials proceed to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many assault offenses, which can avoid a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation.
- Initial Appearance: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to challenge evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a possible plea agreement or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court or, for felonies, a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence. If eligible, the judge may grant PBJ, placing you on probation without a conviction.
- Expungement: After a waiting period (3 years for PBJ), you may be eligible to have the case expunged from your public record.
Potential Penalties for Assault and Battery in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, assault and battery charges carry a wide range of penalties, from probation and fines to significant prison time, depending on the degree and circumstances of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Protective order, loss of firearm rights, employment difficulties |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None directly | Lengthy prison term, permanent felony record, severe collateral consequences |
| Assault on Law Enforcement | Felony | Up to 10 years (mandatory minimum may apply) | Up to $5,000 | None directly | Enhanced penalties, difficulty with future law enforcement interactions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined legal experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results, we bring substantial resources and a track record of favorable outcomes to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we fight aggressively for every client in St. Mary’s County. Of Counsel attorney Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, provides critical insight into how local prosecutors build their cases, which is invaluable for crafting an effective defense strategy.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results are confidential, our approach focuses on achieving the best possible outcome, whether that is a full dismissal, a reduction in charges, or a favorable plea agreement such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). We actively practice in St. Mary’s County and use our firm-wide experience of 4,739+ documented case results to build strong defenses. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, ensuring every client benefits from our collective experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County Assault and Battery Lawyers
Our Maryland office represents clients at St. Mary’s County courts. We serve communities including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville. For a 24/7 phone consultation with an assault and battery defense lawyer St. Mary’s County, contact us today.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my assault charge dismissed lawyer St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if the evidence is weak, your rights were violated, or through a negotiated agreement with the State’s Attorney. An experienced assault charge dismissed lawyer St. Mary’s County can file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the state’s case, increasing the chances of a dismissal or favorable reduction.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanor assaults carry significant penalties—second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, protecting your record and future.
What happens after an arrest for assault in St. Mary’s County?
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 the District Court in Leonardtown. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Can an assault charge be expunged in 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page, or learn about related services like DUI defense in St. Mary’s County. We also represent clients in neighboring areas like Charles County.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your assault and battery case in St. Mary’s County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.