Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland — What Are Your Options?
Facing criminal charges in Baltimore County, Maryland? The penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article can include jail time and fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Contact a Baltimore County criminal defense lawyer today.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
In Baltimore County, criminal offenses are defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This code classifies crimes from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying specific penalties. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail. More serious felonies, such as first-degree assault, carry up to 25 years. Understanding the exact statute that applies to your charge is the first step in building a defense. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has been handling these cases since 1997, and founder Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases.
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For court procedures and forms, the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson provides official resources.
In Baltimore County District Court, prosecutors often offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders. PBJ allows you to avoid a formal conviction on your record if you complete probation successfully. This is a critical tool that an experienced attorney can negotiate. The process at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286) moves quickly, so having a lawyer who knows the local prosecutors and judges is essential.
- Step 1: Contact a Baltimore County criminal defense lawyer immediately after arrest. Do not speak to police without counsel.
- Step 2: Attend your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who will set bail or conditions of release.
- Step 3: Your lawyer will file a notice of appearance and request discovery from the State’s Attorney.
- Step 4: Negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable disposition, such as PBJ, Stet, or Nolle Prosequi.
- Step 5: If no agreement is reached, proceed to trial in District Court or request a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Step 6: After resolution, your lawyer can guide you through expungement if eligible under Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act.
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging 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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible protective order |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Possible protective order |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Probation, drug treatment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. 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 better outcomes for our clients. We are available 24/7 for consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our favorable outcome rate exceeds 93%. In Baltimore County, our attorneys have secured dismissals, Nolle Prosequi dispositions, and Probation Before Judgment for clients facing serious charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Baltimore County courts. The court is 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 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.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
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.
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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends. After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. 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 or dismissal.
How long does a criminal case take in Baltimore County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials.
Return to the Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page.
Explore our services in nearby areas: Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer and Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Related services in Baltimore County: DUI/DWI Lawyer Baltimore County and Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Baltimore County.
Learn more about our team: Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.