Facing criminal charges in Baltimore County, Maryland? A conviction can bring jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact a Public Lewdness Lawyer Baltimore today.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Rights
In Maryland, criminal offenses are defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). The state classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Penalties range from fines to significant prison time. A conviction can affect your employment, housing, and professional licenses. You need a Public Lewdness Lawyer Baltimore who understands local court procedures.
Statutory Framework for Criminal Charges
Maryland law sets specific penalties for each offense. For example, second-degree assault carries 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. The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies.
- 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. The court sets a trial date or schedules a preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence and files pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court. Felony jury trials proceed in Baltimore County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence. Options include PBJ, probation, or incarceration.
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault. The court at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286 handles these cases.
| 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 | Treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., also oversees criminal defense matters. He has over 120 years of combined firm experience and has personally handled thousands of cases.
Case Results in Baltimore County
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Examples include a child pornography possession charge resolved with all 5 years of incarceration suspended and 5 years of supervised probation. Two child pornography promotion/distribution charges resulted in Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Maryland?
A Nolle Prosequi means the prosecutor drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket for up to one year. If you commit no new offenses during that year, the charges are typically dismissed. Both are eligible for expungement.
How long does a criminal case take in Baltimore County?
District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of the first appearance. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if you are detained without indictment.
Can I get bail after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County?
Yes. Bail is set by a District Court commissioner at your initial appearance. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release. If you are detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. The court considers flight risk and public safety.
What is the Justice Reinvestment Act in Maryland?
The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility in Maryland. It allows expungement of certain non-violent convictions after a waiting period. It also reduced penalties for some drug offenses and created alternatives to incarceration. A criminal defense lawyer can evaluate your eligibility.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.