Facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County? Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, penalties range from 90 days for theft under $100 to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Sextortion Defense Lawyer St Marys County can protect your future. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Charges in St. Mary’s County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses are classified by severity, with penalties tied to the specific charge. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison, while theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months. The District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. An extortion charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County understands these distinctions and can build a case-specific strategy.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources
Insider Knowledge: St. Mary’s County Criminal Procedure
In St. Mary’s County, the State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes all criminal cases. A critical disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery phase.
- Trial or plea negotiation with the State’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or disposition (e.g., PBJ, Nolle Prosequi).
In St. Mary’s County, 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 | Possible protective order |
| 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 | Possible protective order |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in St. Mary’s County. A Sextortion Defense Lawyer St Marys County from our firm can provide the strong defense you need.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4. We serve Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD).
Looking for a blackmail defense lawyer St. Mary’s County? We are here to help.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal 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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies 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 my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
A misdemeanor in Maryland is punishable by up to 3 years in jail, though some carry more. A felony is punishable by more than 3 years or death. The classification affects where your case is heard and the potential penalties you face.
Related Resources
Last verified: 2026-04. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.