Facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County carries 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. Your defense starts with a call to (888) 437-7747.
Understanding Criminal Law in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This statute defines offenses ranging from theft and assault to drug crimes and sex offenses. The District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides experienced criminal defense representation in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources for St. Mary’s County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County — Official Court Website
Local Court Process in St. Mary’s County
St. Mary’s County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s 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.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery phase.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Sentencing or disposition hearing if convicted or pleading guilty.
In St. Mary’s 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 | $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your St. Mary’s County Criminal Case?
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 with over 93% favorable outcomes firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen Fisher, our Of Counsel attorney handling St. Mary’s County cases, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. She prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts, giving her firsthand insight into how the prosecution builds cases. This experience provides a powerful advantage when defending your case in St. Mary’s County.
Case Results in St. Mary’s County and Firm-Wide
SRIS actively practices in St. Mary’s County. Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at St. Mary’s County courts, accessible via Route 5, Route 235, and Route 4.
Near-Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County or near Leonardtown? We serve clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods Served: Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, Mechanicsville (MD).
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, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County. Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County?
District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. St. Mary’s County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Your case starts in District Court and moves to Circuit Court if charged with a felony.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.