In Howard County, criminal charges carry serious consequences — 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. A Parole Hearing Lawyer Howard County can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying specific penalties. The Maryland Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. 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. A Parole Hearing Lawyer Howard County understands these statutes and how they apply to your situation.
For the official Maryland Criminal Law statutes, visit Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For Howard County court information, see the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Sentencing or disposition hearing if convicted or pleading guilty.
In Howard County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline: “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in Howard County.
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span criminal defense, DUI, traffic, family law, and other practice areas across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Columbia or Ellicott City? We serve all of Howard County.
Neighborhoods served: Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard 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 Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a Parole Hearing Lawyer Howard County and a regular criminal defense lawyer?
A Parole Hearing Lawyer Howard County specifically handles parole board proceedings, which require different advocacy skills than trial work. These lawyers understand Maryland parole guidelines and how to present evidence of rehabilitation to the parole board.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. Compare with Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer or Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer. Also see Howard County DUI Lawyer or Howard County Family Law Lawyer.
Learn more about our team: Kristen M. Fisher, Former Prosecutor.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.