In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years 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. An Online Enticement Lawyer Anne Arundel County can help you understand your defense options. Contact us 24/7.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Understanding Criminal Law in Anne Arundel County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) and the Criminal Procedure Article. These statutes define offenses from theft and assault to drug crimes and sex offenses. The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. A key disposition available in Maryland is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ after a 3-year waiting period under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
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Review the official statutes and court information:
Insider Procedural Edge: handling Anne Arundel County Courts
Anne Arundel County District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401 handles all misdemeanor trials. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes cases here. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions.
- Initial Appearance: After arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court; felony trials in Circuit Court.
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, criminal penalties range from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block: Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
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. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York. In Anne Arundel County, we have a strong track record of achieving dismissals, PBJ dispositions, and reduced charges for our clients.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys have secured dismissals, Nolle Prosequi dispositions, and Probation Before Judgment for clients facing serious charges across Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301.
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Annapolis, Glen Burnie, or Severna Park? We serve all of Anne Arundel County.
Neighborhoods Served: Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, Millersville.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Address: 199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County
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. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
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) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are eligible for expungement. Your attorney can advise which disposition is best for your case.
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Freshness & Verification
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. 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.