In Charles County, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 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. An Insider Trading Lawyer Charles County can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses in the Criminal Law Article (CR). The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies based on the maximum penalty. Misdemeanors carry up to 3 years in jail, while felonies carry more than 3 years. The District Court of MD for Charles County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Charles County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand knowledge of how the prosecution builds cases.
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Charles County website.
Charles County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Charles County prosecutes cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
- Arrest or citation occurs in Charles County.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pretrial motions and discovery.
- Trial or plea negotiation.
In Charles County, criminal penalties vary by offense — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential employment impact |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Felony record, voting rights loss |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Felony record, firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record, employment impact |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s motto is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles cases in Charles County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Charles County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. An Insider Trading Lawyer Charles County can review your case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Charles County courts, accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, and Route 5. We serve La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Charles County? We are available 24/7 for phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles 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 Charles County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Charles 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 Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles 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 Charles County. Felonies go to Charles County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Charles County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Charles County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
A misdemeanor carries up to 3 years in jail, while a felony carries more than 3 years in prison. The classification affects where your case is heard — misdemeanors in District Court, felonies in Circuit Court — and the long-term consequences for your record.