Felony charges in Howard County, Maryland, carry severe penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, including up to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County. As a Felony Defense Lawyer Howard County, we provide strategic representation at District Court of MD for Howard County and Howard County Circuit Court.
Felony Defense Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
Felony offenses in Maryland are defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). A felony is any crime punishable by imprisonment in the Maryland Division of Correction, typically exceeding one year. Examples include first-degree assault (CR § 3-202, up to 25 years), theft of $1,500 or more (CR § 7-104, up to 5 years), and drug distribution (CR § 5-602, up to 20 years). As a felony charge defense lawyer Howard County, we understand the nuances of these statutes. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures and rules, see Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Howard County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for felony charges, especially in drug and assault cases. We have observed that early intervention before arraignment often leads to more favorable outcomes, including Nolle Prosequi or Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
- Contact a Felony Defense Lawyer Howard County immediately after arrest.
- Attend the initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail setting.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- File a motion for discovery to obtain all evidence from the prosecution.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a PBJ or reduced charge.
- If no agreement, proceed to trial at Howard County Circuit Court.
In Howard County, felony charges carry penalties ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment, depending on the offense classification under Maryland law.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | N/A | Loss of firearm rights; potential deportation for non-citizens |
| Theft ($1,500+) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A | Restitution; loss of professional licenses |
| Drug Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Asset forfeiture; mandatory minimums for certain substances |
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%. As a serious criminal charge lawyer Howard County, we use this experience to defend clients against the most severe allegations.
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. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Howard County, with access via I-95 and Route 29. As a Felony Defense Lawyer Howard County, we serve clients near you. Serving the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel. 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 Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard 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 Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Yes, PBJ avoids a formal conviction and is available at District Court of MD for Howard County.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard 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 Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard County).
Yes, expungement is available for many dispositions at District Court of MD for Howard County.
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.
After arrest, you appear before a commissioner for bail, then proceed to arraignment and trial at District Court of MD for Howard County or Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard 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 Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
Yes, an attorney can help avoid a conviction at District Court of MD for Howard County.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services. We also serve Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County. For related matters, see Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Howard County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Howard County.
Last verified: April 2026