In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Understanding Criminal Law in Baltimore County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors (theft under $100: up to 90 days) to felonies (first-degree assault: up to 25 years). The Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 governs expungement. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 after serving as a prosecutor — this background provides direct insight into how Baltimore County prosecutors build cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources for Baltimore County Criminal Cases
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson — official court website
How Criminal Cases Work in Baltimore County Courts
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Baltimore County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes all criminal cases.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. This happens within 24 hours of arrest if you are detained.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours. The judge may adjust conditions of release.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this typically occurs 30-90 days after arrest at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or negotiate a plea. PBJ or Nolle Prosequi may be negotiated here.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court. Felonies proceed to Baltimore County Circuit Court for jury trial. The Hicks Rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days.
- Post-Disposition: If you receive PBJ, you can seek expungement after a 3-year waiting period. Acquittals and dismissals are eligible for immediate expungement.
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 | Protective order possible |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Treatment may be required |
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 over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline — “Advocacy Without Borders” — reflects our commitment to clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Kristen Fisher, our lead attorney for Maryland criminal defense, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland. She prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. This firsthand prosecutorial experience provides significant insight into case construction, trial strategies, and courtroom dynamics in Baltimore County courts.
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia — demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the legal system.
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 Virginia, Maryland, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
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. The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson is located at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286, accessible via I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-83, I-95, Route 1, Route 40, and Route 45.
We serve clients throughout Baltimore County including 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. 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 — 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 filing for expungement. Acquittals and dismissals are eligible for immediate expungement. The waiting period is calculated from the date the case was resolved.
What is the difference between 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. A Stet can be expunged immediately; a Nolle Prosequi can be expunged immediately as well.
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.
Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer — Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Baltimore County DUI Lawyer — Baltimore County Family Law Lawyer