In Howard County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties from 90 days to 25 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. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Howard County can help protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland classifies criminal offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Misdemeanors include theft under $1,500 (up to 6 months) and second-degree assault (up to 10 years). Felonies include first-degree assault (up to 25 years) and drug distribution (up to 20 years). The District Court of MD for Howard County handles misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. Expungement is available under Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220 for acquittals, dismissals, and PBJ after a 3-year waiting period.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
External Legal Resources
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) for complete statutes. Visit the District Court of MD for Howard County for court procedures, filing fees, and scheduling.
Insider Procedural Edge: Howard County Court Process
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you remain detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial or plea negotiation — misdemeanors in District Court, felonies in Circuit Court.
- Post-disposition options: PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or expungement.
In Howard County, criminal penalties range from 90 days for minor theft to 25 years for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Probation, restitution |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Probation, restitution |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Probation, protective orders |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Probation, firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation, drug treatment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Howard County Criminal Case
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 handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who provides firsthand insight into Howard County prosecution strategies. We serve clients at the District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also leads complex criminal defense matters firm-wide. His background as a former prosecutor and his work amending Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrate deep legal experience.
Case Results in Howard County and Firm-Wide
SRIS actively practices in Howard 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 Howard County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, 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 child trafficking lawyer near me Howard County? Our team handles serious criminal matters including child trafficking charges. We also offer an affordable child trafficking lawyer Howard County who provides strong defense without excessive fees.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
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.
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.
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, then 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 District Court and Circuit Court in Howard County?
District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes in both courts. Your case type determines which court hears your matter.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI/DWI Lawyer Howard County
- Divorce and Family Law Lawyer Howard County
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.