Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
If you are facing a criminal charge in Montgomery County, you need a strong defense. A criminal charge defense lawyer Montgomery County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. Our firm has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in this jurisdiction. We provide 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case and how to beat criminal charges.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Defense
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in jail and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is also a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 6 months incarceration. More serious charges like first-degree assault are felonies with penalties up to 25 years. Understanding the specific statute and its elements is the first step in building a defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County website.
handling the Montgomery County Court Process
All misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances in Montgomery County occur at the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Knowing how to use local procedures like PBJ, Nolle Prosequi (dropped charges), or Stet (inactive docket) is critical.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing or Probation: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include probation, fines, or incarceration.
- Expungement: For eligible outcomes (dismissals, acquittals, PBJ after 3 years), you can petition to have the record expunged.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, criminal penalties vary widely based on the charge’s classification, from fines and probation to decades in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have achieved over 4,739 case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we fight relentlessly for every client. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Documented Case Results in Maryland
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas, with a 95% favorable outcome rate for criminal matters. These results include dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), reductions, and favorable plea agreements like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). For instance, our team, including Mr. Sris, has successfully secured Nolle Prosequi (dismissals) in serious cases such as child pornography distribution charges in Maryland courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike), near landmarks like Rockville Town Square and the Montgomery County Government Center. We serve neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Defense in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, typically the District Court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County Circuit Court. Bail is set at the initial appearance.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How can a criminal defense lawyer Montgomery County help me beat the charges?
A lawyer can challenge the evidence, file motions to suppress, negotiate with the prosecutor for dismissal or reduction, and present a strong defense at trial. Early intervention is key to exploring options like PBJ that can avoid a conviction entirely.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County. If you are facing other legal issues, consider our Montgomery County DUI lawyer services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your criminal charge, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.