Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Options?
A criminal charge in Prince George’s County, Maryland, can lead to severe penalties, including jail time and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for misdemeanors and felonies at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Charges
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison, while theft over $1,500 can be a felony with up to 5 years. The specific statute applied to your case determines the maximum penalties you face.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes in Prince George’s County courtrooms.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures and forms for Prince George’s County are available through the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County website.
Local Court Process in Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County District Court at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed in Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes cases. Understanding local procedures is key for a criminal charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County.
If you are charged, here are the typical steps:
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to challenge evidence and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a potential dismissal, reduction, or favorable plea agreement like PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanors) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing: If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence based on statutory guidelines and any mitigating factors presented by your defense.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Prince George’s County, criminal charges carry a wide range of penalties, from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the offense classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order; permanent criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; difficulty finding employment |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Varies | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory drug assessment; probation |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | None | Community service |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who provide insider perspective on how the State builds its cases. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a high rate of favorable outcomes. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we commit fully to every client’s defense.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm actively practices in Prince George’s County. While individual results depend on unique case facts, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results. For example, our team has secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious cases and favorable probationary sentences in others. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, collaborates with Of Counsel attorneys like Kristen Fisher to develop defense strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Team
Our Maryland location serves clients in Prince George’s County. We are accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and Route 4, near landmarks like FedExField and National Harbor.
If you need a criminal defense lawyer near Prince George’s County, contact us. We serve communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s 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 in Upper Marlboro. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Prince George’s 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. The petition is filed in the court where the case was heard, such as the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. Eligibility hinges on the final disposition and the specific offense.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Prince George’s 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 in Upper Marlboro. Felonies begin there but go to Prince George’s County Circuit Court for jury trial. Court costs typically range from $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s 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 at the District Court can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without legal representation. This is a key reason to consult a criminal charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County.
How can a criminal defense lawyer Prince Georges County help me beat the charges?
A lawyer can challenge the evidence against you, argue for suppression of illegally obtained evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges, and present a strong defense at trial. Strategies depend on the case details, but having an experienced advocate is the most effective way to learn how to beat criminal charges lawyer Prince George’s County.
Related Legal Information
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Howard County. In Prince George’s County, we also handle DUI/DWI and Family Law matters. Learn more about Attorney Kristen Fisher.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific situation.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.