Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
A criminal charge in Howard County, Maryland can lead to serious penalties including jail time and fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County. The District Court of MD for Howard County handles misdemeanors, while felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Howard County, Maryland
In Howard County, criminal offenses are prosecuted under the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Misdemeanors are tried in the District Court of MD for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043, while felonies proceed to the Howard County Circuit Court. Penalties vary by offense: second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison, theft under $100 up to 90 days, and drug possession (non-marijuana) up to 4 years. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes all criminal cases. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland Courts official site
Official Legal References
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures and rules, see the District Court of MD for Howard County (Maryland Courts — official site).
Local Court Procedures in Howard County
In the District Court of MD for Howard County, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on many misdemeanors. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record, which is critical for employment and housing. We have observed that the State’s Attorney for Howard County is often willing to negotiate Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) or Stet (inactive docket) for cases with weak evidence.
- After arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner for bail setting. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- At arraignment, you enter a plea. Misdemeanors stay in District Court; felonies are bound over to Howard County Circuit Court.
- Your attorney files pre-trial motions and engages in discovery. The State’s Attorney may offer PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, or Stet.
- If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Maryland’s 180-day speedy trial rule (Hicks date) applies to felony jury trials.
- After disposition, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Howard County
In Howard County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to multi-year prison sentences, depending on the offense classification and severity.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; potential protective order |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; potential PBJ eligibility |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; loss of voting rights while incarcerated |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Permanent criminal record; firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (Non-Marijuana, Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Potential PBJ; drug treatment program eligibility |
| Marijuana Under 10g | Civil Citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Criminal Defense in Howard County?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our team understands the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures in Howard County, giving you a strategic advantage. We are available 24/7 for phone consultations, and meetings are by appointment only.
Your Criminal Defense Attorney in Howard County
Case Results in Howard County and Beyond
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific Howard County case results are not listed, our firm has achieved dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, and PBJ dispositions in Maryland courts, including in Montgomery County where we secured a 5-year probation with no incarceration for a child pornography distribution charge. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Rockville is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Howard County, with access via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32. We serve the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial).
If you are searching for a criminal charge defense lawyer Howard County or need to know how to beat criminal charges lawyer Howard County, we are here to help.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
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 (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
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 (District Court of MD for Howard County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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 (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
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Related Practice Areas and Locations
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also be interested in our services in Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County. For related practice areas, see Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Howard County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Howard County.
Page last updated: 2026-04-29. This information is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy.