Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal charges range from theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to first-degree assault (up to 25 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County courts. A Record Sealing Lawyer Montgomery County can help you clear your record after a dismissal or PBJ. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Law in Montgomery County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties varying by the specific charge and the defendant’s criminal history. The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. More serious felony cases are transferred to the Montgomery County Circuit Court for jury trials. A key distinction in Maryland law is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which allows a judge to place you on probation without entering a formal conviction. This disposition is critical because it avoids a conviction on your record, making it easier to pursue expungement later. If you have a prior charge that was dismissed or resulted in PBJ, a Record Sealing Lawyer Montgomery County can guide you through the expungement process under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources for Montgomery County Criminal Law
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Montgomery County (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: Montgomery County Criminal Cases
In Montgomery County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer PBJ for first-time offenders charged with non-violent misdemeanors. This disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record, which is a significant advantage for employment and housing background checks. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County has a dedicated unit for domestic violence cases, which are prosecuted aggressively. For felony cases, the Circuit Court follows a strict 180-day speedy trial rule (Hicks date) from the first appearance.
- Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this occurs in District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on procedural errors.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court; felony jury trials occur in Circuit Court. Many cases resolve through plea negotiations for PBJ or reduced charges.
- Expungement: After a dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or PBJ (with a 3-year waiting period), you can file for expungement to remove the case from your public record.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary widely by offense classification, from civil citations for minor marijuana possession to 25-year sentences for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record; potential employment impact |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential housing impact |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential firearm restriction |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record; firearm prohibition; employment impact |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Criminal record; federal aid ineligibility |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Montgomery County Criminal Case?
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. Our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Montgomery County specifically, we have 21 documented case results across all practice areas. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County builds cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating his deep understanding of legal strategy and legislative process.
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have achieved 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our results include dismissals, Nolle Prosequi dispositions, PBJ placements, and charge reductions. A Record Sealing Lawyer Montgomery County can help you pursue expungement after a favorable outcome.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, including the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. We are accessible via I-270, I-495, Route 355 (Rockville Pike), Route 29, and Route 97 (Georgia Ave). We serve all Montgomery County communities including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Montgomery County? Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your case.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. A Record Sealing Lawyer Montgomery County can guide you through the process.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County. Felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How much does an affordable record sealing lawyer Montgomery County cost?
It depends. The cost varies based on the complexity of your case and the number of charges to be expunged. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and consultation by appointment. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your specific situation and receive a case-specific fee estimate.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
Related Resources
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer (hub page)
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer (sibling locality)
- Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer (sibling locality)
- Montgomery County DUI Lawyer (related PA)
- Montgomery County Family Law Lawyer (related PA)
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Rockville/MD Location