In Howard County, 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. A Sexual Exploitation Lawyer Howard County can help protect your record. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in Howard County
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR). 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. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case.
External Citation Links
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Howard County (official Maryland Courts)
- 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 — guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Discovery: Your attorney reviews the State’s evidence and files pretrial motions.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court; felony trials in Circuit Court.
- Disposition: Outcomes include dismissal, PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction with sentencing.
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 ordered |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution ordered |
| 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 | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, founder of the firm, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience across the firm. The firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Howard 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.
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.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. Accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, Route 175. Serving Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, Laurel (partial).
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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: (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 Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Howard County?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are eligible for expungement. An attorney can explain which option fits your case.
How long does a criminal case take in Howard County District Court?
District Court misdemeanor cases typically take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Felony cases in Circuit Court take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of first appearance. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if detained without indictment.
Can a Sexual Exploitation Lawyer Howard County help with my case?
Yes. A Sexual Exploitation Lawyer Howard County can help protect your rights and negotiate favorable dispositions like PBJ or dismissal. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
What should I look for in an affordable sexual exploitation lawyer Howard County?
Look for an affordable sexual exploitation lawyer Howard County with former prosecutor experience and a track record of favorable outcomes. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 phone consultations and payment plans. Contact us at (888) 437-7747.
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.