In Baltimore County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties—second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR); Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220 (expungement)
Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in Baltimore County
Under Maryland law, criminal offenses are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses, while felonies carry more severe penalties. The Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR), defines specific offenses and their classifications. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-203, carrying up to 10 years in prison. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 7-104, with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail. Felonies, such as first-degree assault under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-202, can result in up to 25 years in prison. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation for these charges.
External Citation Links
For official legal references, consult the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly) and the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery.
- Trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or Circuit Court (felony).
- Sentencing if convicted.
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| 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 |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results
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.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Baltimore County, Maryland?
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 (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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 (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
It depends on the specific offense. Misdemeanors are less serious crimes with maximum penalties of up to 10 years in prison (e.g., second-degree assault). Felonies are more serious crimes with penalties exceeding 10 years (e.g., first-degree assault up to 25 years). The classification affects where your case is heard and the potential consequences.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.