In Howard County, Maryland, 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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Public Lewdness Lawyer Howard County can help protect your record and your freedom.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland — What Are Your Options After an Arrest?
Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law defines offenses in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies based on the maximum penalty. Misdemeanors carry up to 3 years in jail, while felonies carry more than 3 years. The District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. A Public Lewdness Lawyer Howard County understands the specific procedures at each court level.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly (official)
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 1-101 (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Howard County (official court website)
Insider Knowledge: How Howard County Criminal Cases Work
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. 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.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea — not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Discovery period where the prosecution shares evidence against you.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Howard County
In Howard County, criminal penalties range from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the charge 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 under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| 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 | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Howard 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 across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results span VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts. The location is accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Howard County? We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
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 — District Court of MD for Howard County.
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. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Howard County?
District Court of MD for Howard County handles all misdemeanor trials, initial appearances for felonies, and civil cases up to $30,000. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials, family law matters, and civil cases over $30,000. The State’s Attorney prosecutes in both courts.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Howard County?
The waiting period for expungement of a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County is 3 years from the date you complete probation. After that period, you can file a petition for expungement with the court where the case was heard.
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.