Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
A criminal charge in Kent County, Maryland, can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent record. A Criminal Defense Lawyer Kent County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Defense
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison, while theft over $1,500 is a felony with up to 5 years. The specific statute applied to your case determines the potential consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building case-specific defenses for clients in Kent County.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For local court procedures and information, refer to the District Court of Maryland for Kent County website.
Kent County Court Process and Defense Strategy
All misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances in Kent County occur at the District Court at 103 N. Cross Street in Chestertown. Felony jury trials move to Kent County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions for release.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates for a dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charges. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench or jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence, which may include probation, fines, or incarceration.
- Post-Trial Options: Your attorney can file an appeal or, after a waiting period, petition for expungement to clear your record.
In Kent County, criminal penalties vary widely: second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail, while theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, permanent record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, felony record |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Drug education, probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Kent County Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We maintain a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate over 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. We understand how to beat criminal charges lawyer Kent County defendants face by leveraging local procedural knowledge.
Case Results in Maryland
While specific Kent County results are integrated into our firm-wide count, our Maryland practice has achieved significant outcomes. For example, our team has secured Nolle Prosequi (dismissals) in child pornography distribution cases and negotiated suspended sentences with probation in complex matters. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Kent County, MD
Our Maryland location serves clients at Kent County courts. We are a criminal defense lawyer near Chestertown, Rock Hall, and Galena. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are 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
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors at the District Court of MD for Kent County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, typically the District Court at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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 the District Court. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault with up to 10 years. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Kent County can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that protect your future.
How can a criminal charge defense lawyer Kent County help me?
A criminal charge defense lawyer Kent County residents hire can protect your rights from the start. They can challenge evidence, negotiate with the State’s Attorney for favorable dispositions like PBJ or dismissal, and provide representation at trial to fight the charges against you.
Related Legal Information
If you need a Maryland criminal defense lawyer, visit our state hub. For defense in nearby areas, see our pages for Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. For other legal needs in Kent County, we also handle DUI/DWI and family law matters.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.