In Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years under Md. Code Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Kent County can help protect your future. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Kent County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The District Court of MD for Kent County at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Felony jury trials proceed to Kent County Circuit Court. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Kent County understands these court procedures.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law Code (CR) and the District Court of MD for Kent County website for procedural rules.
Insider Procedural Edge for Kent County Criminal Cases
Kent County District Court offers Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for many offenses. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes all cases here.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanors stay in District Court; felonies move to Circuit Court.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pretrial motions.
- Trial or Plea: Trial in District Court or Circuit Court, or negotiate a plea disposition like PBJ or Nolle Prosequi.
- Expungement: After acquittal, dismissal, or PBJ (3-year wait), file for expungement under Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
In Kent 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 | $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 | $10,000 | None | Restitution ordered |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $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 Kent 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: “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team includes former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney Kristen Fisher, who provides firsthand prosecutorial insight into Kent County court procedures. A Statutory Rape Lawyer Kent County from our firm understands local court dynamics.
Case Results in Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Kent 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 Location Serving Kent County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Kent County courts, accessible via Route 213, Route 301, and Route 20. We serve Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Looking for a Statutory Rape Lawyer Kent County near you? We are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Kent County, Maryland?
After arrest in Kent 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 Kent County. Felonies go to Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent 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 Kent County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court in Kent County?
District Court of MD for Kent County handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Kent County prosecutes all cases.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer in Kent County
- Family Law Lawyer in Kent County
- Kristen Fisher Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office Location
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.