In Howard 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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County can help protect your rights.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies based on the maximum penalty. Misdemeanors carry up to 3 years in jail, while felonies carry more than 3 years. The District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Howard County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for criminal cases in Howard County. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.
For the official Maryland criminal statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes cases. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record. Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor drops charges) and Stet (inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pretrial motions and discovery phase.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties ranging 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective 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 $1,000 | 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
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 across its attorneys. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. For Howard County criminal cases, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to your defense. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County from SRIS understands local court procedures and prosecutor strategies.
Secondary attorney: Mr. Sris — Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney. Former prosecutor; founded firm 1997; personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3; Bar: VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
SRIS actively practices in Howard 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 Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 1, Route 32, and Route 175.
Criminal defense lawyer near Howard County — serving Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard at District Court of MD for Howard County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County. Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is an Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County and when do I need one?
It depends. An Online Enticement Lawyer Howard County handles cases involving allegations of online solicitation of minors. If you are under investigation or charged with online enticement in Howard County, you need immediate legal representation because these charges carry severe penalties including mandatory minimum sentences.
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.