In Washington 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. A Federal Property Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Washington County can help protect your rights. Contact us today.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This code classifies offenses from civil infractions to felonies. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases at the District Court of MD for Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). A Federal Property Sexual Misconduct Lawyer Washington County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
Review the official Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) and the District Court of MD for Washington County for court procedures.
Washington County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The court at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740 serves Washington County. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Trial or plea negotiation.
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi).
In Washington County, criminal penalties range from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $10,000 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm represents clients across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland — prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010.
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland, SRIS has obtained Nolle Prosequi dismissals on child pornography charges and PBJ dispositions on serious felony cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts, accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, Route 65.
Criminal defense lawyer near Washington County — serving Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, Funkstown.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Washington County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington 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 Washington County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Washington County?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but inactive. After a Stet, the case can be expunged after 3 years if no new charges are filed.
Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — DUI Lawyer Washington County — Family Lawyer Washington County
Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile — Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.