In Washington County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 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. Your defense starts with a former prosecutor on your side.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
Understanding Criminal Law in Washington County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The Maryland General Assembly classifies offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors carry up to 3 years in jail unless a specific statute provides a higher penalty. Felonies carry more than 3 years. The Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement, allowing qualifying individuals to clear their records after acquittal, dismissal, or completion of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources for Washington County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Washington County (official court website)
Insider Knowledge: How Washington County Criminal Cases Work
Washington County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Washington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes all cases.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses.
- Arrest and 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 exchange.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
In Washington County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years in prison 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 | Possible protective order |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| 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 |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Possible probation |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Possible asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Washington County Criminal Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Washington County builds cases. We use that insider knowledge to construct your strongest defense.
Case Results in Washington County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices in Washington County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Your Washington County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Local and Accessible
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. We are accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65.
Looking for an online enticement lawyer Washington County? We handle criminal defense cases throughout Washington County, including Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
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 Washington County
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. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 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.
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. 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 carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Washington County?
District Court of MD for Washington County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Washington County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases in both courts.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Washington County?
It depends. Fees vary based on case complexity, severity of charges, and whether the case goes to trial. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation to discuss fees and payment plans.
Related Legal Services in Washington County
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Washington County DUI Lawyer
- Washington County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher — Criminal Defense Attorney
- Our Maryland Office
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.