Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland — What Are Your Rights After an Arrest?
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Non Consensual Pornography Lawyer Kent County can help protect your rights. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors like second-degree assault (up to 10 years) to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. A Non Consensual Pornography Lawyer Kent County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
Official Legal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official State Code
- District Court of MD for Kent County — Official Court Website
Insider Knowledge: How Kent County Criminal Cases Work
Kent County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes all cases here.
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. This option is available for many offenses at the District Court of MD for Kent County.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea at your arraignment hearing.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Negotiation: Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a favorable resolution.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to trial or a disposition like PBJ or Nolle Prosequi.
In Kent County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to 25 years for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential employment impact |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record, restitution, loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record, potential firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record, employment impact |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Kent County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline — Advocacy Without Borders — reflects our commitment to aggressive, client-focused representation.
Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Kent County builds cases. This insider perspective allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate effectively for PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or dismissal.
Our team also includes Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, who brings former prosecutor experience and over 25 years of criminal defense practice to complex cases in Kent County.
Case Results in Kent County and Firm-Wide
SRIS actively practices in Kent 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.
Your Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Local and Accessible
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts, including the District Court of MD for Kent County at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620.
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Kent County? We represent clients throughout the Eastern Shore region.
Neighborhoods Served: Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, Betterton.
Availability: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard — District Court of MD for Kent County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between Nolle Prosequi and Stet in Kent County?
Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges entirely — the case is over. Stet places the case on an inactive docket; if you avoid new charges for one year, the case can be expunged. Both are common dispositions in Kent County District Court.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Kent County DUI/DWI Lawyer
- Kent County Family Law Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.