In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Baltimore can help protect your rights at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Understanding Criminal Law in Baltimore County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors like theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson handles misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. Baltimore County Circuit Court conducts felony jury trials. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Baltimore understands these court divisions and how they affect your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Review the official Maryland statutes: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Insider Knowledge: Baltimore County Criminal Procedure
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes these cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange.
- Trial or plea negotiation with the State’s Attorney.
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
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 | $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| 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 | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Baltimore County Criminal Case?
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 handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to your defense. She understands how the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County builds cases and can identify weaknesses in their strategy.
Baltimore County Criminal Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
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 Towson or a Child Trafficking Lawyer Baltimore? 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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
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.
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 are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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.
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. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ or dismissal to avoid a conviction on your record.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Baltimore County?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the State can reopen it within one year. Both are favorable dispositions that avoid conviction.
How long does a criminal case take in Baltimore County?
District Court misdemeanors typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felonies take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of the first appearance.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.