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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Record Sealing Lawyer Washington County can help clear your record after a PBJ or dismissal.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) and Criminal Procedure Article. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. A Record Sealing Lawyer Washington County understands these statutes and can evaluate your eligibility for record relief. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings insider knowledge of how the State’s Attorney for Washington County builds cases.
Review the official statutes: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly) and the District Court of MD for Washington County website for court procedures.
Washington County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Washington County prosecutes cases at 36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest. You have the right to a bail review hearing if detained.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere. Your attorney can negotiate with the State’s Attorney before this date.
- Discovery: The prosecution must share evidence. Your attorney reviews police reports, body camera footage, and witness statements.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the legality of the stop or arrest.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court. Felony trials go to Washington County Circuit Court. Your attorney negotiates PBJ, Stet, or dismissal.
- Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or PBJ (3-year wait), you can petition to expunge your record. A Record Sealing Lawyer Washington County handles this process.
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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| 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 | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | 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 and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia — a credential that demonstrates deep legislative knowledge. For Maryland clients, former Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to your defense.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also handles complex criminal matters in Washington County. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
SRIS actively practices in Washington 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 — 199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Washington County courts. Accessible via I-81, I-70, Route 11, Route 40, and Route 65.
Criminal defense lawyer near Hagerstown — serving Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
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. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 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. A Record Sealing Lawyer Washington County can guide you through this process.
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. 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 carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries 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 an affordable record sealing lawyer Washington County?
An affordable record sealing lawyer Washington County provides cost-effective legal help for expunging your criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers payment plans and consultation by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to discuss fees and your eligibility for record sealing.
Learn more about our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer services. For nearby counties, see our Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer pages. For related legal help in Washington County, visit our DUI/DWI Lawyer Washington County and Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Washington County pages.
View our attorney profile: Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor | Visit our Maryland Office Location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. 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.