In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. You need a criminal defense lawyer who understands the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Law in Baltimore County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. This statute defines offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties that vary by the severity of the charge. The Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement, while § 4-101 provides classification standards. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Insider Procedural Edge: What You Need to Know About Baltimore County Criminal Court
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes all cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanor cases are set for trial in District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea, such as PBJ or a Stet docket.
- Disposition: The court enters a verdict or accepts a plea. If convicted, sentencing follows.
In Baltimore County, criminal penalties range from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | $2,500 | None | Possible protective order |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Possible protective order |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Possible probation |
| Marijuana under 10g | Civil citation | None | $100 | None | No criminal record |
| CDS distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum sentencing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Handles Criminal Defense in Baltimore County
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We handle criminal defense across VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County builds cases. This insider knowledge allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate favorable dispositions like PBJ or dismissals.
Case Results in Baltimore County Criminal Defense
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In Baltimore County specifically, our criminal defense team has achieved dismissals, PBJ dispositions, and reduced charges for clients facing assault, theft, and drug charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Baltimore County courts, accessible via I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-83, I-95, Route 1, Route 40, and Route 45.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Baltimore County? We serve clients throughout the area.
We serve the communities of Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Baltimore County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Baltimore 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 Baltimore County – Towson. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Baltimore 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 Baltimore County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, typically the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest in Baltimore 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 Baltimore County – Towson. Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Baltimore County?
It depends. For Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), you must wait 3 years after the date of probation completion before you can file for expungement in Baltimore County. The waiting period runs from the date the court entered the PBJ order, not from the arrest date.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.