In Kent 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. A Securities Fraud Lawyer Kent County can help you understand your rights at District Court of MD for Kent County.
Understanding Criminal Law in Kent County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). In Kent County, the District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes these cases. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The Securities Fraud Lawyer Kent County team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for those facing criminal allegations.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Kent County official website.
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Kent County Court
In Kent County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence.
- Negotiation: Your attorney discusses PBJ, Stet, or dismissal with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial or Resolution: Case proceeds to trial or resolves through a negotiated disposition.
In Kent County, criminal penalties vary by offense class — from civil citations to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| 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 |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Kent County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have former prosecutors on staff who understand how the State’s Attorney for Kent County builds cases. An investment fraud defense lawyer Kent County from our firm can provide the strong defense you need.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also oversees all criminal matters. He has been practicing since 1997 and is admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Kent County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In related Maryland cases, our attorneys secured a Nolle Prosequi for child pornography promotion/distribution charges in Baltimore County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer Location
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts. The District Court of MD for Kent County is at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20.
We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Find a criminal defense lawyer near Kent County who understands local court procedures.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent 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 Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Kent County?
It depends. Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State’s Attorney can reopen it within one year. Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. Both are eligible for expungement.
Learn more about our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer services. For nearby areas, see our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer. For related services in Kent County, visit our DUI Lawyer Kent County page.
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.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.