Criminal Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland
If you are facing criminal charges in Kent County, Maryland, you need a Criminal Defense Lawyer Kent County who understands local court procedures. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience and a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Criminal charges in Maryland are governed by the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors, such as second-degree assault (up to 10 years imprisonment under CR § 3-203), to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years under CR § 3-202). The specific statute applicable to your case determines the classification, potential penalties, and available defenses. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the official Maryland General Assembly website: Maryland Criminal Law Article (CR) (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
For information on court procedures and locations in Kent County, visit the Maryland Courts website: District Court of MD for Kent County (Maryland Courts — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Kent County, prosecutors routinely file charges based on police reports without full evidentiary review. We have observed that early engagement with the State’s Attorney for Kent County can lead to more favorable outcomes, including Nolle Prosequi or Stet dispositions.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical tool that avoids a formal conviction on your record. In our experience, many defendants do not realize PBJ is available for first-time offenses and certain misdemeanors.
Expungement opportunities have expanded under the Justice Reinvestment Act, but strict timelines apply. Acting quickly preserves your options.
- Remain silent and do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Kent County immediately after arrest.
- Attend all court hearings at the District Court of MD for Kent County, 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Review all discovery materials with your attorney to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Explore pre-trial diversion, PBJ, or Stet options before trial.
In Kent County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to life imprisonment, 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; potential protective order |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible 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) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Possible drug treatment program requirement |
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%. The firm’s commitment to client advocacy is reflected in its tagline, Advocacy Without Borders, which underscores the dedication to providing full legal representation regardless of case complexity.
Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm with a mission to provide aggressive and knowledgeable defense. The team includes Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, Of Counsel (independent attorney working with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.), who brings firsthand prosecutorial insight to every case. This combination of experience and perspective allows the firm to handle the nuances of Kent County’s legal field effectively.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Kent County and across Maryland. 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 Kent County, with access via Route 213 and Route 301. If you are searching for a criminal charge defense lawyer Kent County, we are ready to assist. Serving the communities of Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton. 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 Criminal Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). 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 Kent 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 Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Kent 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 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 (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620). Felonies go to Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent 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.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against a guide to computer financial crimes charges?
Defense strategies for a guide to computer financial crimes in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Maryland Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against a guide to gun weapon laws charges?
Defense strategies for a guide to gun weapon laws in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Maryland Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against abduction charges?
Defense strategies for abduction in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Maryland Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page.
Explore our services in nearby areas: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County.
We also handle related federal matters: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Kent County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026