Felony charges in Montgomery County, Maryland carry severe penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article — including up to 25 years for first-degree assault and up to 20 years for drug distribution. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Felony Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility, as opposed to a misdemeanor which carries up to one year in a local jail. Felonies in Montgomery County are prosecuted under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) and are heard in the Montgomery County Circuit Court at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850. Common felony charges include first-degree assault (up to 25 years under CR § 3-202), distribution of controlled substances (up to 20 years under CR § 5-602), and theft of property valued over $1,500 (up to 5 years under CR § 7-104). A Felony Defense Lawyer Montgomery County understands the specific procedural requirements of the Montgomery County Circuit Court, including the Hicks rule requiring a jury trial within 180 days of the first appearance.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly — official site
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.
For the full text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For procedural rules governing felony cases, see Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure (mdcourts.gov — official site).
In Montgomery County Circuit Court, prosecutors routinely file felony charges at the maximum level during initial appearances, then negotiate downward during pretrial conferences. We have observed that the State’s Attorney for Montgomery County often offers Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time felony offenders in non-violent cases, which avoids a formal conviction.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours of arrest if detained.
- File a motion for discovery to obtain all evidence from the State.
- Evaluate whether a Hicks waiver (extending the 180-day speedy trial deadline) is strategic.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a PBJ or Nolle Prosequi before trial.
- If no agreement, prepare for jury trial with experienced witnesses and evidentiary challenges.
- At sentencing, present mitigating evidence including character references and treatment programs.
In Montgomery County, felony criminal 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 (CR § 3-202) | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Loss of firearm rights; potential deportation |
| Distribution of CDS (CR § 5-602) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $15,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Asset forfeiture; federal charges possible |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 (CR § 7-104) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution; employment impact |
| Child Pornography Distribution (CR § 11-207) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Sex offender registration; lifetime supervision |
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 has handled felony cases in Montgomery County Circuit Court, including a child pornography distribution case resolved with 5 years probation and no incarceration, and another where all charges were dropped. As a felony charge defense lawyer Montgomery County, our team understands the local court procedures and prosecutorial tendencies that can make the difference in your case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County: including a child pornography distribution case resolved with 5 years probation and no incarceration at Montgomery County Circuit Court, and another where all charges were dropped. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 2 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, with access via I-270 and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). As a serious criminal charge lawyer Montgomery County, we serve the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Felony Defense in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period) under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County) under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland?
After arrest in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). Felonies go to Montgomery 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.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Related Legal Services
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland — Statewide hub for criminal defense
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County — Serving Howard County
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County — Serving Calvert County
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Charles County — Serving Charles County
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Montgomery County — Federal criminal defense
- Aiding and Abetting lawyer Montgomery County — Federal criminal defense
Last verified: April 2026 | Page generated: 2026-04-30