Criminal Defense Lawyer in Somerset County, Maryland
If you are facing a criminal charge in Somerset County, you need a strong defense. A criminal charge defense lawyer Somerset County can protect your rights at the District Court of MD for Somerset County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Our team includes former prosecutors who know how to build a defense. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Defense
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Misdemeanors like theft under $1,500 can carry up to 6 months in jail, while felonies like second-degree assault can lead to up to 10 years. The specific penalties depend on the charge and your history. A skilled criminal defense lawyer Somerset County can explain the charges against you and the possible consequences.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Somerset County | Maryland General Assembly Statutes
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We focus on providing a strong defense for each client.
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Somerset County website
Local Court Process in Somerset County
In Somerset County, all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances happen at the District Court in Princess Anne. The State’s Attorney for Somerset County prosecutes cases. A key local strategy involves seeking a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Knowing how to beat criminal charges lawyer Somerset County strategies often starts with this option.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged 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 dismissal, reduction, or favorable plea 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 Somerset County Circuit Court (felonies).
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence. With PBJ, you are placed on probation instead of receiving a conviction.
- Post-Case Actions: After waiting periods (3 years for PBJ), you may be eligible for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Maryland
In Somerset County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines and probation to years in prison, heavily dependent on the specific offense and classification.
| 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 | None | Protective order, no contact order |
| Drug Possession (personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory drug assessment, probation |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
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 has a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to every client. We provide a case-specific approach, using our deep experience in Maryland courts to protect your future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Somerset County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Our secondary attorney on complex matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a unique advantage in cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Contact Our Somerset County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients in Somerset County. We are accessible from Route 13 and Route 413, serving communities like Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, and Deal Island. If you need a criminal defense lawyer near Somerset County Courthouse, we can help.
Availability: 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 Somerset 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 Somerset County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Somerset 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 Somerset County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Somerset County, Maryland?
After arrest in Somerset 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 Somerset County. Felonies go to Somerset County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Somerset 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 Somerset County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How can a criminal defense lawyer Somerset County help me?
A lawyer can protect your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative dispositions like PBJ, and represent you at trial. Early involvement is often key to a better outcome.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County. If you have other legal needs, consider our Somerset County DUI Lawyer services.
Page last verified and updated: 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.