Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Facing criminal charges in Montgomery County, Maryland carries serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Your defense starts with understanding your rights at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law covers a broad range of offenses from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The primary statutes governing criminal conduct are found in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Maryland classifies offenses by severity, with penalties ranging from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to life sentences for first-degree murder. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Montgomery County Courts
Montgomery County District Court processes misdemeanor cases quickly. Your first appearance happens before a commissioner who sets bail conditions. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County prosecutes all cases in this jurisdiction.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) offers a path to avoid a formal conviction. This disposition is available for many first-time offenses and keeps your record clean after successful completion of probation.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea at your arraignment hearing.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Negotiation: Your attorney discusses plea options including PBJ or dismissal with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial or Resolution: Your case resolves through trial, plea, or dismissal.
In Montgomery County, criminal charges carry penalties from civil fines to lengthy prison sentences depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Treatment program possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, the firm has achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. The office is accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike).
We serve clients throughout Montgomery County including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
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 Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Montgomery County?
District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County is at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. Montgomery County Circuit Court is at 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850.
Related Legal Resources
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.