Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges range from theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to first-degree assault (up to 25 years) 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 Washington County criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your options.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland classifies criminal offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes these cases at the District Court of MD for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was established by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to your defense.
Review the official Maryland criminal statutes at Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures are governed by the District Court of MD for Washington County (official Maryland Courts website).
In Washington County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time misdemeanor offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, you can petition for expungement after a 3-year waiting period. The State’s Attorney’s office evaluates each case individually, so early intervention matters.
- Contact a Washington County criminal defense lawyer immediately after arrest.
- Attend your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail setting.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- File a motion for discovery and review the State’s evidence.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet disposition.
- If no agreement, proceed to trial at District Court of MD for Washington County.
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to 25 years 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 | Criminal record; potential protective order |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Criminal record; potential restitution |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record; potential protective order |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Criminal record |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have achieved 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, former prosecutor and founder of the firm, who provides strategic oversight on complex criminal defense matters.
SRIS actively practices in Washington County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, we have achieved 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. The Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, Route 65.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Washington County? We serve Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, Funkstown.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only.
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 (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). 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 (District Court of MD for Washington County).
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 of MD for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). Felonies go to Washington County 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 do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Washington County?
3 years. After completing probation for a Probation Before Judgment disposition in Washington County, you must wait 3 years before filing for expungement. The waiting period runs from the date probation ends.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.