Criminal Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
If you are facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, the consequences can include jail time, fines, and a permanent record under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Criminal offenses in Maryland are governed by the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Penalties vary by classification: second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison; theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor with up to 6 months; theft over $1,500 is a felony with up to 5 years. First-degree assault carries up to 25 years. Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) is a misdemeanor with up to 4 years. Marijuana under 10 grams is a civil citation with a $100 fine. CDS distribution is a felony with up to 20 years. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders — our firm has handled 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — official site. For court rules and procedures, see the Maryland Courts — official site.
In the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders on non-violent charges. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. In our experience defending criminal cases here, the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County is often willing to negotiate reduced charges for cooperative defendants.
- Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer St Marys County immediately after arrest.
- Attend your initial appearance before the District Court commissioner.
- Request a bail review hearing if you are detained.
- Work with your attorney to negotiate PBJ or dismissal.
- If eligible, file for expungement after the waiting period.
In St. Mary’s County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison, depending on the offense classification under Maryland law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Permanent criminal record |
| Marijuana (under 10g) | Civil Citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. 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 firm, Advocacy Without Borders, has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County. We understand the local courts, prosecutors, and procedures that can make a difference in your case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County: firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Maryland criminal cases, our results include dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, and PBJ dispositions. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 60 miles from the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, with access via Route 5 and Route 235. If you need a criminal charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD). 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
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). 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.
Yes. PBJ avoids a conviction on your record and is available at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes. Expungement is available for many dispositions under Maryland law at District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). Felonies go to St. Mary’s 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.
It depends on the charge. Misdemeanors go to District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court. Bail review occurs within 24 hours if detained.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s 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.
Yes. Even misdemeanors can carry jail time and a permanent record. An attorney can help negotiate PBJ or dismissal.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against a guide to computer financial crimes charges?
Defense strategies for a guide to computer financial crimes in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under See Criminal general statutes — verify specific section for A Guide To Computer Financial Crimes to build the strongest possible defense.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services. Explore related pages: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer St Marys County.
Last updated: 2026-04-29. For the most current information, contact our office.