In Somerset County, Maryland, a second-degree assault charge carries up to 10 years in prison 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. A Securities Fraud Lawyer Somerset County can protect your rights at District Court of MD for Somerset County.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Somerset County
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR). Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail. Theft over $25,000 is a felony with up to 5 years. First-degree assault carries up to 25 years. A Securities Fraud Lawyer Somerset County understands these classifications and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Somerset County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources
Review the Maryland Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly) for complete statutory definitions. Visit the District Court of MD for Somerset County website for court information.
Insider Procedural Edge: Somerset County District Court
Somerset County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Somerset County prosecutes these cases. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- 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.
- Trial for misdemeanors in District Court; preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Felony cases bound over to Somerset County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Post-disposition options: expungement after acquittal, dismissal, PBJ (3-year wait), or qualifying non-violent convictions.
In Somerset County, criminal charges carry penalties 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 | $2,500 | 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 |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Felony record |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
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. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have an investment fraud defense lawyer Somerset County on staff who understands complex financial cases.
Our team includes former prosecutors who know how the State’s Attorney builds cases. This insider perspective allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate favorable outcomes like PBJ or dismissal.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Kristen Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. She joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010 and dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. She represents clients in Maryland State and Federal Courts, as well as Virginia State Courts. Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Somerset 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 across Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Somerset County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Somerset County courts, accessible via Route 13 and Route 413. Our criminal defense lawyer near Somerset County serves Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, and Deal Island.
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 Somerset County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Somerset 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 Somerset County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Somerset 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 Somerset County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at District Court of MD for Somerset County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Somerset County, Maryland?
It depends. After arrest in Somerset 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 Somerset County. Felonies go to Somerset County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Somerset County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Somerset County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Somerset County?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges completely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but inactive. If you stay out of trouble for a specified period, the Stet case can be expunged. Both are favorable dispositions.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Somerset County DUI Lawyer
- Somerset County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.