Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
Facing criminal charges in Howard 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. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Howard County can provide the defense you need. Contact us today.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland classifies criminal offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The state distinguishes between misdemeanors and felonies based on the maximum penalty. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine, while theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Howard County understands these distinctions and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Howard County (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: Howard County District Court
In Howard County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, PBJ cases qualify for expungement after a 3-year waiting period.
- Step 1: Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Step 2: Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Step 3: Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Step 4: Pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Step 5: Trial or plea negotiation.
- Step 6: Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet).
In Howard County, criminal charges carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years in prison, with fines up to $25,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
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. We provide case-specific strategies for each client.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Howard 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.
Our Howard County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. We are accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a child trafficking lawyer near me Howard County? We provide 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is an affordable child trafficking lawyer Howard County?
An affordable child trafficking lawyer Howard County provides cost-effective legal representation for serious charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and case-specific strategies. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Howard County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Howard County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.