Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
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. A former prosecutor leads your defense. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland classifies criminal offenses as misdemeanors or felonies under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for second-degree assault. Felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson handles misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. Baltimore County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
Insider Procedural Edge: Baltimore County Criminal Cases
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record.
Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, PBJ (after 3-year waiting period), and qualifying non-violent convictions under the expanded Justice Reinvestment Act.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where evidence is exchanged.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or disposition (PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, 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 | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results in Baltimore County
SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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. We are accessible via I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-83, I-95, Route 1, Route 40, and Route 45.
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, 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 with 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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest in Baltimore County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then 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.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a PBJ in Baltimore County?
It depends. The waiting period for expungement after a PBJ in Baltimore County is 3 years from the date the probation ends. You must file a petition with the court where the case was heard. Contact a lawyer to confirm eligibility.
Related Legal Resources
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.