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. A Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County can protect your rights. Contact us 24/7.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland — What Are Your Rights?

Understanding Criminal Law in Howard County, Maryland

Maryland criminal law is codified under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The state classifies crimes by severity, with penalties including incarceration, fines, and probation. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) allows certain defendants to avoid a formal conviction. A Revenge Porn Lawyer Howard County understands these statutes and how they apply to your case.

Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly

Official Resources for Howard County Criminal Cases

What to Expect in Howard County Criminal Court

Howard County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record.

Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
Arraignment where you enter a plea.
Pre-trial motions and discovery phase.
Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
Post-trial options including appeal or expungement.

Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Howard County

In Howard County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — 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	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	Drug treatment evaluation

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Howard 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. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have former prosecutors on staff who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases in Howard County.

Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)

Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia

Former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland — prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. Joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. 75% of her practice is dedicated to litigation.

Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also leads complex criminal defense matters. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.

Case Results in Howard County and Beyond

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.

199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States

Our Howard County Location

Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Howard County courts, accessible via I-95, Route 29, Route 32, and Route 175.

Near Me: Criminal defense lawyer near Howard County, Maryland.

Communities Served: Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, Laurel (partial).

Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.

By appointment only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County

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.

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.

What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard 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 Howard County.

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. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.

What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Howard County?

District Court handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The Hicks rule (180-day speedy trial rule) applies to felony jury trials in Circuit Court.

Related Legal Services

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.

Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer | 4,739+ Results