Facing criminal charges in Anne Arundel County, Maryland? 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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. This body of law defines offenses ranging from theft and assault to drug crimes and sex offenses. The Criminal Procedure Article governs how these cases move through the court system, including rules for arrest, bail, trial, and expungement under § 6-220. Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors (up to 10 years for second-degree assault) or felonies (up to 25 years for first-degree assault). The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources for Maryland Criminal Law
For the complete text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
How Criminal Cases Work in Anne Arundel County Courts
Anne Arundel County District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes all criminal cases.
- Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Bail Review: If detained, you get a bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours. Your attorney can argue for reduced bail or release conditions.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere). The court sets a trial date or schedules a preliminary hearing for felony cases.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence and files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: Misdemeanor trials happen in District Court. Felony trials go to Circuit Court. Your attorney negotiates for PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or a reduced charge.
- Disposition & Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, PBJ (3-year waiting period), or qualifying conviction under the Justice Reinvestment Act, your attorney files for expungement to clear your record.
In Anne Arundel County, criminal charges carry penalties 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 | Protective order possible; firearm prohibition |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution ordered; possible PBJ eligibility |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; possible expungement after 3 years |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; permanent record |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Treatment program may be ordered |
| Marijuana Under 10g | Civil Citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense
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. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline — Advocacy Without Borders — reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York. We have former prosecutors on staff who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases against you.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, who brings over 25 years of experience as a former prosecutor and has personally handled complex criminal defense matters across multiple states.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific Anne Arundel County case results are not listed, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our ability to achieve dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing criminal charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location Serving Anne Arundel County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Annapolis or criminal defense lawyer near Glen Burnie? We serve all of Anne Arundel County.
Communities we serve: Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, Millersville.
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 Anne Arundel County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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 Anne Arundel County. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. The standard waiting period for expungement of a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland is 3 years from the date the probation ends. After that period, you can file a petition for expungement with the court where the case was heard.
Related Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — Statewide hub page
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Nearby locality
- DUI/DWI Lawyer in Anne Arundel County — Related practice area
- Divorce & Family Law Lawyer in Anne Arundel County — Related practice area
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.