In Howard County, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A public lewdness lawyer Howard County can protect your rights and future.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies based on potential penalties. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail, while theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony carrying up to 5 years. Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) is a misdemeanor with up to 4 years. Marijuana under 10 grams results in a civil citation with a $100 fine. CDS distribution is a felony with up to 20 years. The public lewdness lawyer Howard County team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly — Criminal Law Article
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Howard County official website.
Insider Knowledge: Howard County Criminal Court Process
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all criminal cases.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
- 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. Misdemeanor cases proceed in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea.
- Trial or Plea: Your case resolves through trial (bench or jury) or negotiated disposition like PBJ or Nolle Prosequi.
- Expungement: After a favorable outcome, your attorney files for expungement to clear your record.
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 | Possible protective order; firearm restriction |
| 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; possible federal charges |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; possible federal charges |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment evaluation required |
| Marijuana Under 10g | Civil Citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Howard 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 over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients across multiple jurisdictions.
Our Howard County criminal defense team includes former Maryland prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Howard County builds cases. We have deep experience with PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and expungement in Howard County courts. If you need a public lewdness lawyer near me Howard County, our team provides the experience and local knowledge you need.
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York. While specific Howard County case results vary, our team has extensive experience in the District Court of MD for Howard County and Howard County Circuit Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Howard County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175.
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? We serve clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods Served: Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, Laurel (partial).
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
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 — District Court of MD for Howard County or Howard County Circuit Court.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 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. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Howard County?
District Court of MD for Howard County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from District Court. District Court cases typically resolve in 30-90 days; Circuit Court cases take 3-12 months.
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.