Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Kent County, Maryland
A misdemeanor charge in Kent County, Maryland, can carry penalties including up to 10 years for second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, or up to 6 months for theft under $1,500. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Kent County, providing strategic representation at District Court of MD for Kent County.
In Maryland, misdemeanors are criminal offenses punishable by up to 10 years in jail, depending on the specific charge. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, common misdemeanors include second-degree assault (up to 10 years), theft under $1,500 (up to 6 months), and disorderly conduct (up to 90 days). A Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Kent County can help you handle these statutes and pursue dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid a formal conviction. 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 official Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly — official site. For court procedures and forms, see the Maryland Courts — official site.
In District Court of MD for Kent County, prosecutors routinely offer PBJ for first-time misdemeanor offenses, especially for non-violent charges like theft or drug possession.
We have observed that early engagement with the State’s Attorney before arraignment often leads to more favorable dispositions.
- Contact a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Kent County immediately after arrest.
- Gather all documents, including the charging document and bail paperwork.
- Attend the initial appearance before the District Court commissioner.
- Your lawyer requests discovery and reviews police reports.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for PBJ or charge reduction.
- If no agreement, prepare for trial at District Court of MD for Kent County.
In Kent County, Maryland, misdemeanor penalties vary by charge, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years and theft under $1,500 up to 6 months.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record; possible protective order |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible PBJ eligibility |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Possible community service |
| Drug Possession (Non-Marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment program eligibility |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ 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 dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. We provide strategic representation for misdemeanor cases in Kent County, leveraging deep familiarity with local court procedures and prosecutor practices.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Kent County, with firm-wide documented results including dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions across Maryland. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 60 miles from District Court of MD for Kent County, with access via Route 213 and Route 301. If you need a misdemeanor defense lawyer near me Kent County, we serve 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
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Misdemeanor Defense in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent 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 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?
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 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.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Kent 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 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 misdemeanor vs felony charges?
Defense strategies for misdemeanor vs felony in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against misdemeanors charges?
Defense strategies for misdemeanors in Maryland may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
Related Legal Services
Explore our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub for statewide resources. For neighboring areas, see our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County and Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County pages. For related practice areas, visit Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Kent County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect current Maryland law and court procedures.
Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.