Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
A misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Maryland, carries penalties ranging from up to 90 days for theft under $100 to up to 10 years for second-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County. As a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Montgomery County, you need representation that understands local courts.
Misdemeanor Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland classifies misdemeanors under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Penalties vary by offense: second-degree assault (up to 10 years/$2,500), theft $100-$1,500 (up to 6 months), and drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) (up to 4 years). The District Court of MD for Montgomery County handles all misdemeanor trials. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience. A Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Montgomery County can help handle these statutes.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland Courts official site
Official Maryland Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures and filing information, see the District Court of MD for Montgomery County (Maryland Courts — official site).
Local Court Procedures in Montgomery County
In the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time misdemeanor offenders. We have observed that PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea; your attorney can negotiate a PBJ or dismissal.
- Trial or disposition: misdemeanor trials occur in District Court; felonies go to Montgomery County Circuit Court.
- Expungement after acquittal, dismissal, or PBJ (3-year waiting period) under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
In Montgomery County, Maryland, misdemeanor charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to up to 10 years incarceration, depending on the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible protective order; firearm prohibition |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible expungement after 3 years |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible expungement |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment program; possible expungement |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 fine | None | No criminal record |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Misdemeanor Defense?
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 understands Montgomery County court procedures. As a Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer Montgomery County, we provide experienced representation.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Montgomery County. In one case, a client charged with Distribution of Child Pornography (CR 11-207(a)(4)) received 5 years probation and no incarceration at Montgomery County Circuit Court. In another, all charges for Child Pornography/Distribution and Possession were dropped. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our Location Serving Montgomery County
Our location in Rockville is approximately 2 miles from the District Court of MD for Montgomery County, with access via I-270 and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). As a Misdemeanor Defense 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.
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 Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Montgomery County).
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.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against misdemeanor 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 (CR) 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. You may also be interested in our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County or Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County pages. For related federal criminal matters, see Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Montgomery County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer Montgomery County.
Page last updated: 2026-04-29. Information is subject to change. For the most current legal information, consult an attorney.