In Queen Anne’s 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. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense at District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR). The Maryland Code classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, each carrying distinct penalties. Misdemeanors in Queen Anne’s County include theft under $1,500, second-degree assault, and disorderly conduct. Felonies include first-degree assault, burglary, and drug distribution. The District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Queen Anne’s County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Queen Anne’s County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legal experience.
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court information, see the District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County website.
In Queen Anne’s County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on eligible charges. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are also common dispositions.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained — your attorney argues for release on personal recognizance or reasonable bail.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea — your attorney can negotiate PBJ or dismissal before this hearing.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence — your attorney reviews police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements.
- Pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural violations.
- Trial or plea negotiation — your attorney pursues dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charges based on case strength.
In Queen Anne’s County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to 25 years 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 | Criminal record; potential protective order |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record; potential restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record; loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Felony record; potential protective order |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record; potential treatment requirement |
| 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 | Felony record; asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience across its attorneys. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legal experience in Maryland and Virginia law.
Kristen M. Fisher, the primary attorney for this page, is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Her firsthand prosecutorial experience provides significant insight into case construction, trial strategies, and courtroom dynamics. She joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010 and dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation.
Mr. Sris, the secondary attorney on this page, is the firm’s founder and managing attorney. He is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and New York.
SRIS actively practices in Queen Anne’s County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Queen Anne’s County courts. The location is accessible via Route 50/301, Route 213, and Route 18. We serve Centreville, Queenstown, Grasonville, Stevensville, Chester, and Church Hill.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Queen Anne’s County? Our firm provides defense for clients throughout the Eastern Shore and central Maryland.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Queen Anne’s 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 Queen Anne’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Queen Anne’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 Queen Anne’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in Queen Anne’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 Queen Anne’s County. Felonies go to Queen Anne’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Queen Anne’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 Queen Anne’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Queen Anne’s County?
A misdemeanor in Maryland carries up to 10 years in jail, while a felony carries more than 10 years or is specifically classified as a felony by statute. Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies begin in District Court for initial appearance but proceed to Circuit Court for jury trial.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Queen Anne’s County?
The waiting period for expungement of a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Queen Anne’s County is 3 years from the date of probation completion. After that period, you can file a petition for expungement with the District Court of MD for Queen Anne’s County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Internal links: Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer | Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer | DUI Lawyer Queen Anne’s County | Family Law Lawyer Queen Anne’s County