Felony Defense Lawyer Maryland — What Are Your Legal Options?
A felony conviction in Maryland can result in a state prison sentence of over one year, substantial fines, and lasting consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those facing serious criminal charges. Our felony defense lawyer Maryland team, including former Maryland prosecutors, understands the high stakes. We have documented case results across Maryland courts.
Felonies in Maryland are classified by statute, with penalties varying based on the specific offense and circumstances. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000, for example, is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. More severe felonies, like first-degree assault, carry penalties of up to 25 years. handling these charges requires immediate and experienced legal counsel from a felony defense lawyer Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Felony Charges and Statutes
Maryland law defines felonies as crimes punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility. The classification and penalties are outlined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Key statutes include CR § 3-202 for first-degree assault (felony, up to 25 years) and CR § 7-104 for theft over $1,500 (felony, up to 5 years). The state’s Justice Reinvestment Act also impacts sentencing and expungement eligibility for certain non-violent felonies.
You can review the official Maryland criminal statutes at the Maryland General Assembly website. For local court procedures, visit the Maryland Judiciary website.
Local Court Process for Felony Charges
In Montgomery County and across Maryland, felony cases begin with an initial appearance in District Court. A commissioner sets bail. The case then proceeds to a preliminary hearing, where the State must show probable cause. If bound over, the case is transferred to the Circuit Court for trial. Prosecutors from the local State’s Attorney’s office, such as the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, handle these cases. An experienced felony charge defense lawyer Maryland can challenge the State’s evidence at each stage.
- Secure representation from a felony defense lawyer Maryland immediately after arrest or charge.
- Your attorney will attend the bail review hearing and argue for your release.
- Your lawyer will file pre-trial motions, challenge evidence, and negotiate with the prosecutor.
- If a plea agreement is not in your best interest, your attorney will prepare for a Circuit Court jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Maryland Felonies
In Maryland, felony penalties range from over one year to life in prison, plus significant fines and collateral consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime record, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums for certain weights/quantities |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | None | Considered a crime of violence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Serious Criminal Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. This inside perspective is invaluable for building a defense against a serious criminal charge. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 cases. In Montgomery County alone, we have 21 documented case results across all practice areas. We approach each case with a focus on the specific details and local court dynamics.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in serious cases. For example, in Baltimore County, we secured a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Felony Child Pornography Promotion/Distribution. In another case, we negotiated a result of 5 years of incarceration with all time suspended, plus probation, for a Possession of Child Pornography charge. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex felony cases involving financial or technical evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Maryland Felony Defense Lawyers
Our Rockville location serves clients across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and surrounding areas. We are accessible via I-270 and I-495. If you need a felony defense lawyer near the District Court in Rockville or Upper Marlboro, contact us.
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.
We serve neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Felony Defense FAQs
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate) Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The primary difference is the potential jail location and sentence length. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days to 10 years in a local jail. Felonies are punishable by over one year in a state prison. The collateral consequences of a felony conviction are also typically more severe.
Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Maryland?
It depends. Through negotiations with a prosecutor, some felony charges may be amended to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement. This often depends on the facts of the case, the defendant’s history, and the skill of the felony defense lawyer Maryland representing you.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Maryland?
PBJ is a disposition where the court withholds a finding of guilt and places the defendant on probation. If probation is completed successfully, no conviction appears on the public record. It is not available for all offenses but is a key goal for a serious criminal charge lawyer Maryland to pursue where applicable.
How long does a felony case take in Maryland?
Timelines vary. A felony case in Circuit Court can take from 3 to 12 months or more from filing to resolution. The Hicks date rule requires the trial to start within 180 days of the first appearance if the defendant is detained, or within 120 days if released.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Prince George’s County and with related issues such as DUI defense in Montgomery County.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.