Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Maryland — What Are Your Options?
A misdemeanor conviction in Maryland can carry jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for charges like assault, theft, and disorderly conduct. Our misdemeanor defense lawyer Maryland team, including former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher, has secured favorable outcomes in cases across Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Frederick Counties. Call (888) 437-7747 for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by up to 10 years in jail, as defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 4-101. While less severe than felonies, misdemeanors like second-degree assault, theft under $1,500, and drug possession carry serious consequences that can affect your employment, housing, and professional licenses. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building case-specific defenses to protect your future.
Maryland Misdemeanor Law and Penalties
Maryland classifies misdemeanors by the maximum possible jail sentence. Common charges include second-degree assault (up to 10 years), theft of $100-$1,500 (up to 6 months), and disorderly conduct (up to 60 days). The state’s Justice Reinvestment Act also expanded expungement options for certain non-violent misdemeanors. For official statute details, review the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures are managed by the Maryland District Court system.
Local Court Process for Misdemeanor Charges
Your case will begin in the District Court for the county where the alleged offense occurred. At the initial appearance, a commissioner will set bail or release conditions. The State’s Attorney’s office for that county will prosecute. A critical local procedural fact is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition. A PBJ, if granted, avoids a formal conviction on your record but requires you to successfully complete probation. Prosecutors in counties like Montgomery and Howard often offer PBJ for first-time, non-violent offenses as part of a plea agreement.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will see a District Court commissioner within 24 hours of arrest to set bail or release conditions.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and review the state’s case against you.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most misdemeanor cases are resolved through a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If found guilty or if you plead, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include PBJ, fines, probation, or jail time.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement of the record.
In Maryland, misdemeanor penalties vary widely: second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail, while theft under $100 can result in up to 90 days.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None typically | Protective order; firearm restrictions |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; permanent criminal record |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | None | Community service |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory drug assessment; probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Maryland Misdemeanor Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the state builds its cases. We focus on securing dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements like PBJ to protect our clients’ records. For an affordable misdemeanor defense lawyer Maryland residents can rely on, contact our office.
Case Results in Maryland
Our team has a documented record of results in Maryland courts. In Montgomery County, we have 21 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 95% favorable outcome rate. In Frederick County, we have 11 documented results: 4 dismissed/not guilty, 3 reduced/amended (64% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Near Me Maryland
Our Maryland location serves clients across Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Frederick Counties. We are a local misdemeanor defense lawyer near me Maryland residents can consult for representation at the District Court in Rockville, Upper Marlboro, Ellicott City, Annapolis, or Frederick.
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.
Serving: Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, Suitland, Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, Laurel (partial), Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, Millersville, Frederick, Thurmont, Brunswick, Middletown, Emmitsburg, New Market, Urbana, Walkersville.
Maryland Misdemeanor Defense FAQs
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland?
It depends. PBJ is a special disposition where the court withholds a finding of guilt. If you successfully complete probation, the case is closed without a conviction on your public record. It is not available for all offenses and is typically offered to first-time offenders.
Can a misdemeanor be expunged in Maryland?
Yes, in many cases. Acquittals, dismissals, and PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period) are generally eligible for expungement. The Justice Reinvestment Act also expanded eligibility to include some non-violent misdemeanor convictions. An attorney can file the petition on your behalf.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for a misdemeanor?
Most misdemeanors are tried in District Court before a judge. You have the right to a jury trial, which requires transferring your case to Circuit Court. This decision involves strategic considerations about the strengths of your defense.
How long does a misdemeanor case take in Maryland?
Typically 30 to 90 days from arraignment to trial in District Court. Complex cases or those involving jury trial demands can take longer. The Hicks date rule requires the state to bring a jailed defendant to trial within 180 days.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you are facing other charges, explore our related services: DUI defense in Montgomery County and family law representation.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.