In St. Mary’s County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties 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. You need a Securities Fraud Lawyer St Marys County who understands local court procedures at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Understanding Criminal Law in St. Mary’s County
Maryland criminal law is defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying specific penalties. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison. Theft over $1,500 is a felony with up to 5 years. The District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge for St. Mary’s County Criminal Cases
St. Mary’s County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- 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 agreement.
Penalty Table for St. Mary’s County Criminal Offenses
In St. Mary’s County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging 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 |
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment program |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your St. Mary’s County Criminal Case
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County builds cases. We provide full representation for all criminal matters in St. Mary’s County.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex criminal matters in St. Mary’s County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Case Results in St. Mary’s County
SRIS actively practices in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges across Maryland courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Visit Our St. Mary’s County Location
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts. The District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County is located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650. We are accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
We serve clients in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
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 St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County?
It depends on the offense. Misdemeanors in St. Mary’s County carry up to 10 years in jail (second-degree assault). Felonies carry more than 1 year in prison, with first-degree assault carrying up to 25 years. The District Court handles misdemeanors; the Circuit Court handles felonies.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.