Felony Defense Lawyer Rockville — What Are Your Legal Options?
A felony charge in Rockville, Maryland, is a serious criminal charge carrying potential prison time, substantial fines, and long-term consequences. Under Maryland law, felonies are classified by degree, with penalties ranging up to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County, providing experienced defense for those facing felony charges.
Maryland Felony Law and Penalties
In Maryland, a felony is defined as a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. The classification and penalties are outlined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101. Felonies are not given a simple numeric class (like Class 1-6) but are defined by the specific statute for each crime, with penalties set accordingly. For example, theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a foundational understanding of how the state builds its cases, which is critical when defending against a serious criminal charge.
Official Legal Resources
Local Court Process for a Felony Charge in Rockville
Felony cases in Montgomery County begin at the District Court for an initial appearance and preliminary hearing. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is bound over to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for trial. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for some felonies, which can avoid a formal conviction on your record if certain conditions are met.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Preliminary Hearing: Within 30 days if detained, a District Court judge determines if there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you are formally charged at the Circuit Court and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all discovery from the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a plea deal or prepares for a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the Circuit Court judge imposes a sentence based on Maryland sentencing guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges
In Montgomery County, a felony conviction can result in state prison time, large fines, and the permanent loss of certain civil rights.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums for certain weights/quantities |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record, often requires sex offender registration if certain conditions met |
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 has a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of local courts. For a serious criminal charge lawyer Rockville residents can rely on, our experience is key.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a track record of achieving positive results in complex cases. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on all serious felony matters, ensuring each defense is thorough and aggressive.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Defense Lawyer Serving Rockville, MD
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). We provide legal representation for a felony charge defense lawyer Rockville residents trust across neighborhoods including Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Wheaton.
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
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 (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery County: (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 Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at 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.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The primary difference is the potential penalty. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail. A felony is punishable by more than one year in a state prison. The long-term consequences of a felony conviction, such as loss of voting rights and difficulty finding employment, are also more severe.
Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Maryland?
It depends. Through plea negotiations, a prosecutor may agree to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor, often in exchange for a guilty plea. This is more likely for first-time offenders, lesser felonies, or when the evidence has weaknesses. An experienced felony defense lawyer Rockville can advocate for this outcome.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County. If you are facing other serious charges, consider our Federal Criminal Lawyer in Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.