In Howard 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 Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County can help protect your rights and future. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying distinct penalties. The District Court of MD for Howard County handles 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. 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.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) for complete statutory definitions. Visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website for court procedures and forms.
Local Court Process for Criminal Cases in Howard County
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The court is located at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet).
In Howard County, Maryland, 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 | $2,500 | None | Probation, protective orders |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution, probation |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Restitution, probation |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Probation, protective orders |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation, drug treatment |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | None |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your 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. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have former prosecutors on staff who understand how the State builds cases against you. Our Howard County criminal defense team includes Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in both District and Circuit Courts. This insider perspective gives you a strategic advantage in building your defense.
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements across Maryland courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Howard County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. We are accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? We are here to help.
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 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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, and 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. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ to avoid a conviction on your record. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is a Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County and how can they help?
A Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County handles cases involving non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Maryland law criminalizes this conduct under the Criminal Law Article. An attorney can help you pursue criminal charges, protective orders, and civil remedies against the person who shared your images without consent.
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.
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