Trespassing Defense Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Options?
A trespassing charge in St. Mary’s County is a criminal offense under Maryland law, carrying potential jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for unlawful entry and trespass charges at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Maryland Trespassing Law and Penalties
Trespassing in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, § 6-402. The law prohibits entering or crossing over the land, premises, or private property of another person after receiving notice not to do so. Notice can be verbal, by posted sign, or by fencing or enclosure. The severity of the charge often depends on whether the property is a dwelling, a government or school property, or a posted agricultural or research facility.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom to every trespassing defense case in St. Mary’s County.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s trespassing statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, § 6-402 (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures for St. Mary’s County are handled at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County official website.
Local Court Process for a Trespass Charge in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, all misdemeanor trespassing cases are heard at the District Court located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. A critical local procedural fact is that Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition is often a key goal in trespassing cases. A PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Prosecutors in this jurisdiction may be more willing to offer PBJ or a stet (inactive docket) for first-time trespassing offenses, especially if there was no intent to commit another crime.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Conference: Your attorney negotiates with the prosecutor for a possible dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charge.
- Trial Preparation: If no agreement is reached, we investigate the scene, interview witnesses, and challenge the state’s evidence.
- Trial: Your case is presented before a judge at the District Court in Leonardtown.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If found guilty, the judge imposes sentence. If PBJ is granted, the case is concluded upon successful probation.
- Expungement (if eligible): After a PBJ waiting period (typically 3 years), you may petition to have the case expunged from public records.
Potential Penalties for Trespassing in Maryland
In St. Mary’s County, trespassing is typically a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine, but penalties increase for trespass on school property, government buildings, or critical infrastructure.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Record Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespassing on Private Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal Record | Probation, community service |
| Trespassing on School Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal Record | Possible protective order, impact on employment |
| Trespassing Posted Agricultural/Research Land | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal Record | Civil liability for damages |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Trespassing Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our trespassing defense lawyer St Marys County practice is led by attorneys who understand the local court’s tendencies. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, has personally amended Virginia state law, demonstrating a deep commitment to effective legal advocacy that we apply in Maryland courts.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific trespassing case results are confidential, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results across all practice areas with over 93% favorable outcomes. We apply this extensive experience to every trespass charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County case we handle. Our secondary attorney on complex matters is Mr. Sris, whose strategic oversight as a former prosecutor adds a significant layer of depth to case preparation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense Near You
Our Maryland office represents clients at St. Mary’s County courts. As your local trespassing defense lawyer near Leonardtown and Lexington Park, we serve communities throughout the county including California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Trespassing 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, including trespassing, at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get a trespassing charge expunged in St. Mary’s County?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). If you are convicted of trespassing, expungement may be possible under the Justice Reinvestment Act for certain non-violent convictions. An attorney can review your specific disposition to determine eligibility.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor trespassing charge in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. A trespassing conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. An attorney at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation.
What are common defenses against a trespass charge?
Common defenses include lack of proper notice (no signs or verbal warning), consent from the property owner, mistaken identity, or that you were on public property. An unlawful entry defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can investigate the scene and circumstances to identify the strongest defense for your case.
What happens after a trespassing arrest in St. Mary’s County?
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your case will then proceed to arraignment and either a pre-trial resolution or trial at the District Court in Leonardtown.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.