Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Defense Options?
If you are facing criminal charges in Prince George’s County, you need a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer Prince Georges County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. We have extensive experience in the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. Our firm-wide results include 4,739+ documented case outcomes. Contact us 24/7 for a consultation.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Charges
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years. The specific statute applied to your case determines the potential consequences.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom to every case.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). For court-specific information, procedures, and forms, refer to the District Court of Maryland’s Prince George’s County directory (courts.state.md.us).
Local Court Process in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances happen at the District Court in Upper Marlboro. A key local procedural fact is the frequent use of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Knowing how to beat criminal charges lawyer Prince George’s County strategies often involve securing a PBJ or a dismissal (Nolle Prosequi).
Here is a typical process for a misdemeanor case:
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions and negotiates with the State’s Attorney’s Office for a reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge or is resolved through a plea agreement.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty, you are sentenced. If eligible, the judge may grant PBJ instead of a conviction.
- Expungement (Later): After a waiting period (3 years for PBJ), you may petition to have the case expunged from your public record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Prince George’s County, criminal penalties range from fines and probation to decades in prison, depending on the charge’s severity and classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, no contact |
| Drug Possession (Personal) | 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 | Restitution, 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 Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We focus on providing clear, direct representation. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in building defenses.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
Our firm actively practices in Prince George’s County. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements. For instance, our team has successfully secured Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) dispositions for clients, allowing them to avoid a permanent conviction. In other cases, we have negotiated for charges to be dropped (Nolle Prosequi) or placed on the inactive docket (Stet).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, brings his extensive multi-state experience and strategic oversight to complex cases, collaborating with the primary attorney to build a strong defense.
Contact Our Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
We are accessible via I-495, I-95, Route 301, and other major highways. Need a criminal defense lawyer near Prince George’s County courthouse? Contact us for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s 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 in Upper Marlboro. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
It depends on the disposition of your case. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. You must file a petition in the court where the case was heard, which for most misdemeanors is the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment to hear charges and enter a plea, (4) pre-trial proceedings and potentially a trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court. Felonies begin there but are typically transferred to Prince George’s County Circuit Court for jury trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years) or theft (up to 6 months). An attorney at the District Court can negotiate for a PBJ to avoid a conviction or seek a dismissal. The procedural advantages and potential long-term consequences make legal representation critical.
How can a criminal charge defense lawyer Prince George’s County help me?
A local defense lawyer understands the procedures of the Upper Marlboro courts and the tendencies of local prosecutors. They can develop a strategy on how to beat criminal charges lawyer Prince George’s County experience provides, which may involve filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, negotiating for charge reductions, or preparing for trial to challenge the state’s case.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County. If you are facing other legal issues, consider our Prince George’s County DUI lawyer services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.