Facing criminal charges in Howard County, Maryland carries serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A criminal defense lawyer in Howard County can protect your rights at District Court of MD for Howard County. 24/7 consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR). The Maryland General Assembly 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 State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for clients facing these charges.
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or disposition (PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction).
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties range from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Criminal record |
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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles criminal defense cases in Howard County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. The court is accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? Our location is accessible from the District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — 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.
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. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with 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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
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 District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ to avoid a conviction on your record. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Howard County?
It depends. Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the case permanently. Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the prosecution can reopen it within one year. Both are favorable dispositions that can lead to expungement.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Return to the Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
See also: Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Related services: DUI/DWI Lawyer in Howard County and Divorce/Family Law Lawyer in Howard County.
Learn more about our team: Kristen M. Fisher — Former Prosecutor.
Visit our Maryland Office Location.