Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal charge in Howard County, Maryland, can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense in the District Court of MD for Howard County. Our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County team, led by former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, understands local procedures to protect your rights and future. Contact us for a 24/7 consultation.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Criminal Law and Howard County Procedures
Criminal offenses in Maryland are defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Charges range from misdemeanors, like theft under $1,500, to felonies, such as first-degree assault. In Howard County, all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances are handled at the District Court at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. Felony jury trials proceed to the Howard County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing before a judge must occur within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial & Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Disposition: Your case may be resolved through a plea agreement, PBJ, dismissal (Nolle Prosequi), or proceed to trial.
- Sentencing or Expungement: If convicted, sentencing follows. If eligible, you may later petition for expungement to clear your record.
External Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). For information on Howard County court locations, hours, and procedures, refer to the Maryland Courts directory for Howard County (courts.state.md.us).
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Howard County
In Howard County, criminal penalties vary widely by charge, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years in prison and theft under $100 being a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment, record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Howard County Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In Howard County, we actively defend clients at the District Court. Our lead attorney for Maryland criminal defense, Kristen Fisher, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney who uses her prosecutorial insight to build strong defenses. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results. In Maryland sex crimes cases, we have secured outcomes such as a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for charges of Child Pornography Promotion/Distribution and negotiated suspended sentences with probation for possession charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Maryland office serves clients throughout Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, and Savage. We are accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32. If you need a criminal charge defense lawyer Howard County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Howard County Criminal Defense
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Howard County. After successful 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, typically the District Court at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard 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 the District Court. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
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. An attorney at the District Court can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, which is crucial for protecting your record and future. This is a key reason to consult a lawyer on how to beat criminal charges lawyer Howard County.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing charges in Howard County, you may also need information on DUI defense or family law matters. For defense in neighboring areas, see our pages for Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. Learn more about our statewide practice on our Maryland criminal defense hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult with a Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County for current legal advice.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.