Criminal Defense Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Options?
A criminal charge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is a serious matter with potential jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for misdemeanors and felonies at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County (251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis). Our firm-wide 4,739+ documented case results and former prosecutor insight offer a strategic advantage.
Maryland Criminal Law & Anne Arundel County Procedures
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. In Anne Arundel County, misdemeanor trials occur at the District Court, while felonies proceed to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases. A critical local disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record if probation is completed successfully.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland statutes)
- District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website
Local Court Process & Strategic Defense
After an arrest in Anne Arundel County, your case follows a specific path. An initial appearance before a District Court commissioner sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your arraignment and trial will be scheduled at the District Court for misdemeanors. The local State’s Attorney’s office routinely offers PBJ for first-time, non-violent offenses, which is a key strategy for avoiding a conviction.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: Appear before a commissioner at the District Court on Rowe Boulevard. Bail is set based on the charge and your ties to the community.
- Secure Representation: Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Early intervention can influence bail arguments and initial case strategy.
- Review & Investigation: Your attorney will obtain police reports, witness statements, and evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Case Resolution: Options include negotiating a PBJ or dismissal, filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, or proceeding to trial.
- Post-Disposition: If eligible, your attorney can file for expungement to clear your record after the required waiting period.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the offense classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Felony record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide relentless defense. We have a deep understanding of local Anne Arundel County court procedures, from the District Court to the Circuit Court, and know how prosecutors in this jurisdiction approach cases.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes (dismissals, reductions, not guilty verdicts). These results stem from meticulous case preparation and strategic negotiation. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a unique advantage in financial and tech-related cases.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts. We represent individuals from Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions (Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense)
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel 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 and many felonies at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
It depends. 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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. Eligibility is case-specific.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties—second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney at the District Court can negotiate a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to achieve without representation.
How can a criminal charge defense lawyer Anne Arundel County help me?
A local defense lawyer understands Anne Arundel County prosecutors and judges. They can challenge evidence, negotiate for PBJ or dismissal, guide you through expungement, and protect your rights at every stage, from bail hearing to trial.
What’s the first step if I’m charged with a crime in Anne Arundel County?
The first step is to exercise your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone before speaking with your attorney. Early legal intervention is critical for building a defense.
Internal Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Hub
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County
- DUI/DWI Lawyer Anne Arundel County
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.