In Charles County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to 25 years for first-degree assault 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. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Under Maryland law, criminal offenses are defined in the Criminal Law Article (CR). The statute classifies crimes by severity: misdemeanors (up to 3 years in jail) and felonies (over 3 years in prison). Key provisions include second-degree assault (up to 10 years), theft (penalties based on value), and drug possession (up to 4 years for non-marijuana personal use). The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full criminal defense representation in Charles County.
For the complete statutory framework, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Charles County (official court website).
In Charles County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on eligible charges. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. The State’s Attorney for Charles County handles all prosecutions. Expungement is available after acquittal, dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or PBJ (3-year waiting period).
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment — enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere).
- Discovery phase — exchange evidence with the prosecution.
- Pretrial motions (suppress evidence, dismiss charges).
- Trial or plea negotiation — including PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet.
In Charles County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restraining 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 | Restraining order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Probation, drug treatment |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Asset forfeiture possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
SRIS actively practices in Charles County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Charles County courts, accessible via Route 301, Route 228, Route 210, and Route 5. We serve La Plata, Waldorf, Indian Head, White Plains, Bryans Road, and Hughesville. Criminal defense lawyer near Charles County. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
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By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles 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 Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Charles 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 Charles County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Charles County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Charles County, Maryland?
After arrest in Charles 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 Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646). Felonies go to Charles County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Charles County, Maryland?
Yes, many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Charles County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Charles County?
A misdemeanor in Maryland carries up to 3 years in jail, while a felony carries more than 3 years in prison. Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court. The classification affects bail, trial rights, and expungement eligibility.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.