MD: Driving w/ Exp. License, but ticket says w/o license

I was pulled over because I didn't stop completely at a stop sign returning to work after lunch. My drivers license was 7 months expired because I had filed the paperwork away when guests came and then forgot about it, I"m sorry to say.

The policeman said he had planned to just give me a warning for the stop sign, but because of my license has to write me a ticket for that and my expired license. He said, you could be arrested for this -- that really shocked and scared me! He said, "you are eligible for renewal" but you have to have a friend some drive your car home and you will have to go to court. He took my drivers license. I went to get my license renewed later that day.

When I got home that night, I was looking over both tickets and on the one for driving w/ an expired license had circled "driving without a license" rather than the choice "driving with an expired license."

I don't understand. Are these different charges? Why didn't he circle "driving with an expired license"? What differnce will this make in court? I certainly would plead guilty to the expired, but should I plead not guilty to driving without? I've not received a court date yet, but today I got a notice that I should have a lawyer and one will be appointed if that is needed. I have a clean driving record and am a good citizen, needing a lawyer for this just seems like too much. Yet, it is confusing and I'm nervous.

I live in Montgomery County, Maryland. I would appreciate any assistance you can give. Thank you.