Facing a felony charge in St. Mary’s County carries severe penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, including potential incarceration, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County, advocating for clients at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County and St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Felony Defense Lawyer St Marys County, Maryland
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. The Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) defines various felony offenses, including first-degree assault (up to 25 years), theft of $1,500 or more (up to 5 years), and drug distribution (up to 20 years). A conviction can result in long-term incarceration, substantial fines, and collateral consequences such as loss of voting rights, employment restrictions, and housing ineligibility. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients against these serious charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — official site. For court procedures and forms, see the Maryland Courts — official site.
In the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for felony charges, especially those involving violence or drugs. We have observed that early intervention — before charges are formally filed — can lead to more favorable outcomes, including charge reduction or dismissal.
- Contact a serious criminal charge lawyer St. Mary’s County immediately after arrest to preserve evidence and begin building a defense.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, to seek release on personal recognizance or conditions.
- File pretrial motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or challenge the sufficiency of the charges.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a PBJ, Stet, or Nolle Prosequi to avoid a conviction on your record.
- If a conviction occurs, explore expungement options under the Justice Reinvestment Act after the waiting period.
In St. Mary’s County, felony charges carry penalties ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment, depending on the offense classification under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of firearm rights; potential deportation for non-citizens |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; difficulty obtaining employment or housing |
| CDS Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Asset forfeiture; federal charges possible |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order; potential deportation |
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 team includes Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to every case. We are committed to providing aggressive, knowledgeable representation for clients facing felony charges in St. Mary’s County.
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 a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 60 miles from the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, with access via Route 5 and Route 235. 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
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 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 formal conviction 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?
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 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 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.
After arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner for bail setting, followed by arraignment and trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
Yes. 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. Misdemeanors can carry jail time, and an attorney can help avoid a conviction.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also find these resources useful: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer St Marys County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was updated to reflect current Maryland criminal statutes and court information.