In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious consequences. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Contact an Online Enticement Lawyer Anne Arundel County today.
Understanding Criminal Law in Anne Arundel County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County at 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401 handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes all criminal cases. A key disposition available is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after a 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County (official Maryland Courts)
Insider Procedural Edge: What to Expect in Anne Arundel County Court
Anne Arundel County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes cases. 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. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions.
- Initial Appearance: After arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Disposition: Possible outcomes include dismissal, PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction with sentencing.
In Anne Arundel County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations 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 | Possible protective order |
| 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 | Possible protective order |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Possible drug treatment program |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases. We provide case-specific strategies case-specific to your unique situation.
Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges across Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Location: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 2, Route 3, Route 50, and Route 301.
Near Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
Neighborhoods Served: Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, Millersville.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Address: 199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States. By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County
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. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at 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?
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 Anne Arundel County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
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 District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
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 District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Maryland?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the prosecutor drops the charges entirely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but inactive. If you stay out of trouble for a period, the Stet case can be expunged. Both avoid a conviction.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 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.