Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Options?
If you face charges in Anne Arundel County, you need a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer Anne Arundel County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. Second-degree assault here is a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 3-203, carrying up to 10 years. Our firm has documented results in this jurisdiction. We provide 24/7 phone consultations.
Maryland Criminal Law in Anne Arundel County
Maryland classifies crimes as felonies or misdemeanors, with penalties defined in the state’s Criminal Law Article. In Anne Arundel County, all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances occur at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County located at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401. Felony jury trials proceed to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting provides an edge in financial case analysis.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and forms, visit the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County website.
Local Court Process and Strategy
In Anne Arundel County District Court, prosecutors from the State’s Attorney’s office handle misdemeanors. A key local disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record if probation is completed successfully. For a criminal charge defense lawyer Anne Arundel County, understanding how to use PBJ and other resolutions is critical.
Here is a typical process for a misdemeanor case:
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail determination.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery phase, where evidence is exchanged.
- Negotiation for a plea agreement, PBJ, or dismissal.
- If no agreement is reached, proceed to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or fulfillment of probation terms if convicted or granted PBJ.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Anne Arundel County, criminal penalties vary widely by charge classification, from fines for minor theft to decades in prison for serious felonies.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible for related DUI | Protective order, no contact |
| Drug Possession (personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to client representation. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We maintain an active practice in Anne Arundel County courts.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
Our firm has a documented record of results in Maryland. For example, in Baltimore County, we secured a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) in a child pornography distribution case. In another, we obtained a sentence of 5 years incarceration, fully suspended, with probation for a possession charge. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His multi-state practice and background in accounting and information systems offer a unique advantage for cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland location serves Anne Arundel County clients. We are accessible via I-97, Route 50, and other major highways, near landmarks like the Annapolis State Capital and BWI Airport.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. You must file a petition in the court where the case was heard, which for Anne Arundel County misdemeanors is typically the District Court.
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) a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, and (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court. Felonies begin there but go to Circuit Court for jury trial. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years) or theft (up to 6 months). An attorney can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to secure without legal representation. This is a key reason to consult a criminal charge defense lawyer Anne Arundel County.
How can a lawyer help me beat criminal charges in Anne Arundel County?
A lawyer can challenge the evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained proof, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges, and present a strong defense at trial. Knowing how to beat criminal charges lawyer Anne Arundel County strategies involve exploiting weaknesses in the state’s case and advocating for alternative dispositions like PBJ.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.