In Howard County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison 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 Statutory Rape Lawyer Howard County can help protect your future.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-307 (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland law defines criminal offenses under the Criminal Law Article. The District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. 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.
Key statutes governing criminal defense in Howard County include:
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Howard County (official Maryland Courts)
- Arrest and 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.
- Pretrial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or disposition including PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet.
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties range 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 | Probation possible |
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.”
Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. In Maryland sex crimes cases, our team has achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and deferred probation dispositions.
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, and Route 32. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? We are near the District Court of MD for Howard County and Howard County Circuit Court.
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.
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.
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 (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is a Statutory Rape charge in Howard County?
It depends. Statutory rape in Maryland involves sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of consent (16). A Statutory Rape Lawyer Howard County can explain the specific charges and potential defenses based on your case facts.
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.