Trespassing Defense Lawyer St Marys County — What Are Your Options?
A trespassing charge in St. Mary’s County is a criminal offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-402, carrying potential jail time and fines. A trespassing defense lawyer St Marys County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the state’s proof of unlawful entry and protect your record.
Maryland Trespassing Law and Penalties
Trespassing in Maryland is defined as entering or crossing over the property of another person after receiving notice not to do so. Notice can be verbal, written, or posted. The severity of the charge often depends on the type of property involved.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background provides insight into how these cases are built by the State’s Attorney’s office.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-402 (official Maryland General Assembly site). Court procedures for St. Mary’s County are handled at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Local Court Process for Trespassing Charges
In St. Mary’s County, all misdemeanor trespassing cases are heard at the District Court located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. Prosecutors from the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County must prove you had notice and intentionally entered the property. A key local procedural fact is that the court routinely considers dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders, which avoids a formal conviction on your record if probation terms are completed.
- Initial Appearance & Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction or dismissal.
- Motion Hearing: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence if your rights were violated during the arrest.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence or may grant PBJ.
- Appeal (if applicable): You have the right to appeal a guilty verdict to the Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Trespassing in St. Mary’s County
In St. Mary’s County, trespassing is typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, but penalties increase for trespassing on school property or critical infrastructure.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespassing (General) | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal record |
| Trespassing on School Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Enhanced penalties |
| Posting Notices on Property (Defacing) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Possible restitution |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years. We have documented 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to every client’s case. On Virginia family law matters, Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep engagement with the law.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific trespassing results in St. Mary’s County are part of our broader practice, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, maintains a selective caseload to provide focused attention on complex cases. His collaborative approach with experienced Of Counsel attorneys like Kristen Fisher ensures each client receives a strong, multi-faceted defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Representation for St. Mary’s County
Our Maryland location serves clients in St. Mary’s County. We are familiar with the local court at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. If you need a trespassing defense lawyer near St. Mary’s County or near Patuxent River Naval Air Station, we can help.
We serve communities throughout the county, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — 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 (Trespassing Defense)
What is the difference between trespassing and unlawful entry in Maryland?
In Maryland, “trespassing” and “unlawful entry” are often used interchangeably under the same statute (Md. Code, CR § 6-402). Both refer to entering or crossing another’s property after receiving notice not to do so. A trespass charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can argue the state failed to prove you had proper notice.
Can a trespassing charge be dropped in St. Mary’s County?
Yes. Charges may be dropped (Nolle Prosequi) if the property owner does not wish to prosecute, if there is insufficient evidence of notice, or if your unlawful entry defense lawyer St. Mary’s County negotiates a favorable resolution. An attorney can also file a motion to dismiss if your constitutional rights were violated.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for trespassing?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you complete probation successfully, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. PBJ is available for most misdemeanor trespassing charges at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time trespassing charge?
It is highly recommended. Even a first-time misdemeanor can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. An attorney can seek PBJ, community service, or a dismissal that protects your future.
How long does a trespassing case take in St. Mary’s County?
Most misdemeanor trespassing cases in District Court resolve within 30 to 90 days from arraignment to trial or disposition. Complex cases or those appealed to Circuit Court can take several months to over a year.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Anne Arundel County and Charles County. If you are facing other charges, explore our related services in St. Mary’s County: DUI/DWI Defense and Family Law.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your trespassing charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.