A felony charge in Washington County, Maryland carries serious consequences under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County. A Felony Defense Lawyer Washington County can help protect your rights and future.
Felony Defense Lawyer in Washington County, Maryland
In Maryland, felony offenses are defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Felonies are serious crimes punishable by more than one year of incarceration. Examples include 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 Felony Defense Lawyer Washington County understands the specific statutes and penalties that apply in your case. 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 Washington County | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
For court procedures and rules, see District Court of MD for Washington County (Maryland Courts — official site).
In District Court of MD for Washington County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for felony charges, especially in drug and assault cases. We have observed that early intervention can often lead to more favorable outcomes, such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) or charge reduction.
- Contact a felony charge defense lawyer Washington 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 you are detained.
- Attend arraignment and enter a plea with your attorney present.
- For felony cases, a preliminary hearing occurs within 30 days if detained.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition or prepare for trial.
In Washington County, felony charges carry penalties ranging from 5 years to life in prison, depending on the offense.
| 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 |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Restitution required |
| Drug Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $20,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Asset forfeiture possible |
Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Washington County, with firm-wide documented results of 4,739+ across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 50 miles from District Court of MD for Washington County, with access via I-70 and I-81.
Searching for a Felony Defense Lawyer Washington County near me? We serve clients throughout Washington County.
Serving the communities of Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, and Funkstown.
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 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Washington 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 Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged with a 3-year waiting period under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Washington 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 Washington County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, such as District Court of MD for Washington County, under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Washington County, Maryland?
After arrest in Washington 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 Washington County (36 W. Antietam Street, Suite 200, Hagerstown, MD 21740). Felonies go to Washington County Circuit Court. Bail is set by the commissioner, and Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release. Court costs are approximately $22.50-$55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Washington County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years, and theft of $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Washington County can negotiate PBJ, which avoids a conviction on your record, or seek dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services.
Explore related pages: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County.
See also: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Washington County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Washington County.
Last verified: April 2026