Felony Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Prince George’s County is a serious criminal charge under Maryland law, carrying potential prison time of over one year and long-term consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced felony defense representation at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County (14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro).
Maryland Felony Charges and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, felonies are the most serious category of crimes, defined by statutes in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 4-101. A felony conviction can result in a state prison sentence, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and civil rights. The specific penalties depend on the felony degree and the underlying statute.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Our background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in complex financial felony cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website (Criminal Law Article). Court procedures and local rules for Prince George’s County are available on the Maryland Courts website for the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
Local Felony Defense Process in Prince George’s County
Felony cases in Prince George’s County begin with an initial appearance at the District Court in Upper Marlboro. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes these cases. A critical local disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which can avoid a formal conviction for eligible offenses. The key is early, strategic intervention by a felony charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felonies, a preliminary hearing is typically held within 30 days to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: Many felonies proceed via grand jury indictment in Prince George’s County Circuit Court, bypassing the preliminary hearing.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You will be formally read the charges and enter a plea (not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere).
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and reviews all discovery from the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases resolve through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges
In Prince George’s County, felony penalties vary widely but can include decades in prison, fines up to tens of thousands of dollars, and mandatory registration for certain offenses.
| Offense (Sample) | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | Restitution, permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | Violent crime record, firearm prohibition |
| CDS Distribution (Non-Marijuana) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Mandatory minimums possible, asset forfeiture |
| Robbery | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $10,000 | Violent crime record, parole eligibility restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who brings firsthand insight into how the State’s Attorney’s office builds cases. Firm-wide, we have documented 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a felony charge is more than a legal problem—it’s a threat to your future, and we fight to protect it.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results in serious cases. For example, our team has secured outcomes such as nolle prosequi (charges dropped) in child pornography distribution cases and negotiated suspended sentences with probation in complex felony matters. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides strategic oversight on complex felony defenses, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor and in accounting.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense Serving Prince George’s County
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.
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County in Upper Marlboro, accessible via I-495, I-95, and Route 301. As a felony defense lawyer near Prince George’s County, we represent clients from Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Felony Defense FAQs for Prince George’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s 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 Prince George’s County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my felony record expunged in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). The Justice Reinvestment Act also expanded expungement to many non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 10-15 years). Cases in Prince George’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a felony arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
After a felony arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) preliminary hearing within 30 days or grand jury indictment, (4) arraignment in Circuit Court, (5) pre-trial motions and discovery, (6) plea negotiations or jury trial. Felonies are tried at Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Prince George’s County?
Yes. Maryland felonies carry severe penalties—theft $1,500-$25,000 is a felony up to 5 years; first-degree assault up to 25 years. A serious criminal charge lawyer Prince George’s County can challenge evidence, negotiate for reduced charges or PBJ, and protect your rights at every stage, from the initial bail hearing through trial.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for a felony?
In Prince George’s County, felony cases start in District Court for the initial appearance and bail. Preliminary hearings are also held there. However, felony trials are held before a jury in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The District Court handles misdemeanor trials and all initial proceedings.