===META_TITLE_START===
Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer | 4,739+ Results Cases
===META_TITLE_END===
===META_DESCRIPTION_START===
Criminal defense lawyer in Howard County, Maryland. 4,739+ case results firm-wide, 93%+ favorable outcomes. Former prosecutors on staff. 24/7 consultation by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747.
===META_DESCRIPTION_END===
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland — What Are Your Rights After an Arrest?
In Howard County, Maryland, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Record Sealing Lawyer Howard County can help clear eligible convictions after acquittals, dismissals, or PBJ completion.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from civil citations (marijuana under 10 grams) to felonies carrying up to 25 years for first-degree assault. The state classifies theft by value: under $100 (90 days), $100–$1,500 (6 months), and $1,500–$25,000 (5 years felony). A Record Sealing Lawyer Howard County understands how these classifications affect expungement eligibility under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) for complete statutory definitions. For court procedures and forms, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County official website.
- Appear for initial bail review before a District Court commissioner at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
- Request a public defender or retain private counsel before arraignment.
- Attend arraignment to enter a plea — your attorney can negotiate PBJ or dismissal.
- Complete discovery and pretrial motions within 30–90 days for misdemeanors.
- Attend trial or accept a negotiated disposition such as PBJ, Stet, or Nolle Prosequi.
- File for expungement after the waiting period — 3 years for PBJ, immediately for dismissals.
In Howard County, criminal penalties range from civil fines to 25 years incarceration depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft $100–$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution ordered |
| Theft $1,500–$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $5,000 | None | Restitution, possible deportation |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Possible treatment program |
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 Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and New York. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
SRIS actively practices in Howard County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland, SRIS has secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in child pornography promotion/distribution cases and negotiated probation with all incarceration suspended in possession cases.
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 32, and Route 175. We serve Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
Looking for a record sealing lawyer near me Howard County? Our firm provides criminal defense and expungement services throughout Howard County.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
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.
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. An affordable record sealing lawyer Howard County can guide you through the process.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard 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 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. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a criminal case take in Howard County?
District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30–90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3–12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if detained without indictment.
Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — Howard County hub page.
Related localities: Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Related services: Howard County DUI Lawyer | Howard County Family Law Lawyer
Attorney profile: Kristen Fisher — Former MD Prosecutor
Location: Rockville/MD Location — by appointment only
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.