Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
In Howard County, Maryland, a criminal charge can lead to serious penalties. The District Court of MD for Howard County handles misdemeanors and initial appearances. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Contact a Securities Fraud Lawyer Howard County for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors, like theft under $100 carrying up to 90 days in jail, to felonies, such as first-degree assault with up to 25 years in prison. The Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement, allowing for the removal of certain convictions from your record after a waiting period. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent offenses. A Securities Fraud Lawyer Howard County can help you understand how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources for Howard County Criminal Cases
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, refer to the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Insider Procedural Edge: handling Howard County Courts
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases. A key procedural advantage is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea, such as PBJ or a Nolle Prosequi.
- Expungement: After a favorable outcome, you may be eligible to expunge your record.
In Howard County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification, from civil citations to multi-year prison sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases. We provide case-specific strategies for each client. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Howard County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32. If you are searching for a Securities Fraud Lawyer Howard County near Columbia or Ellicott City, we are here to help. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (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
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
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. It is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County.
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 are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
It depends. After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court; 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 can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a Stet and a Nolle Prosequi in Howard County?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges entirely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket; the State 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 updated guidance.