In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail 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. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors (theft under $100: up to 90 days) to felonies (first-degree assault: up to 25 years). The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition available in Washington County — it avoids a formal conviction on your record. The District Court of MD for Washington County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies, while the Washington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes all cases. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Official Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Washington County — Official Court Website
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Washington County
Washington County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act. The court at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740 serves Washington County.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of charges and enter a plea. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea. PBJ or Stet may be offered.
- Trial or Plea: If no resolution, your case proceeds to trial. A guilty plea may result in PBJ, probation, or incarceration.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties. Your attorney can argue for PBJ, probation, or alternative sentencing.
- Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, or completion of PBJ (3-year wait), your attorney files for expungement to clear your record.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties ranging 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 | Protective order possible |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| 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, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Drug treatment evaluation may be required |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Asset forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Washington 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 to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline — Advocacy Without Borders — reflects our commitment to aggressive, client-focused representation across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating our firm’s ability to effect real change in the law. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases — and how to dismantle them.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Washington County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys have secured dismissals, PBJ dispositions, and reduced charges for clients across Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. We are accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65. We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Washington County? Contact us 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Washington County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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; felonies go to Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How long does a criminal case take in Washington County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule) applies to felony jury trials from first appearance.
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.
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