Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland — What Are Your Legal Options?
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties up to 10 years for second-degree assault 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. A Washington County criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties determined by the specific charge and classification. The Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement eligibility, including for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) dispositions after a 3-year waiting period. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions.
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Washington County 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 — typically 30-90 days after arrest.
- Discovery phase where your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors or Circuit Court for felonies.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to multi-year prison sentences.
| 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 $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| 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.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State builds cases — and how to challenge them effectively. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating the firm’s ability to shape legal precedent.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65.
Criminal defense lawyer near Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Q: What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Q: Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — typically District Court of MD for Washington County.
Q: What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington 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 Washington County. Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Q: What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Washington County?
A Stet places your case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. Both are common dispositions in Washington County District Court and may be eligible for expungement.
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.
See our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
Nearby: Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Related: DUI/DWI Lawyer Washington County | Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Washington County
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.