Trespassing in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is a criminal offense prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying potential jail time and fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County, providing strategic representation at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County and St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Trespassing Defense Lawyer in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Trespassing in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, which defines unlawful entry onto private property without authorization. A trespass charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County can explain that the statute covers both remaining on property after being told to leave and entering property that is clearly enclosed or posted. Penalties vary based on the circumstances, with misdemeanor trespass carrying up to 90 days in jail and fines. For more serious trespass involving a dwelling or intent to commit a crime, felony charges may apply with up to 10 years of incarceration. 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 St. Mary’s County | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of Maryland’s trespassing statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-402 (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, visit District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County (Maryland Courts — official site).
In the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, prosecutors routinely file trespassing charges under the general criminal statute. We have observed that early intervention can lead to dismissal or reduction of charges, especially when property rights are unclear.
- Request a bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- File a motion to suppress evidence if the arrest was unlawful.
- Negotiate for PBJ or Nolle Prosequi with the prosecutor.
- If charges proceed, prepare for trial at the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County.
- Seek expungement after a favorable disposition.
In St. Mary’s County, trespassing carries penalties ranging from a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail to a felony with up to 10 years, depending on the circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespass (simple) | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Trespass (dwelling) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential immigration consequences |
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%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled numerous criminal cases in St. Mary’s County, providing clients with strategic defense and local court knowledge.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in St. Mary’s County, with firm-wide documented results of 4,739+ across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, including dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 60 miles from the District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County, with access via Route 5 and Route 235. If you need a trespass charge defense lawyer St. Mary’s County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Hollywood, and Mechanicsville (MD). 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 Criminal Defense in St. Mary’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for St. Mary’s County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in St. Mary’s County, Maryland?
After arrest in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County (23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650). Felonies go to St. Mary’s County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary’s 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 St. Mary’s County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against trespassing charges?
Defense strategies for trespassing 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.
Learn more about our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland services. For other localities, 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 St Marys County and Aiding and Abetting lawyer St Marys County.
Last updated: 2026-04-30