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 with over 93% favorable outcomes. A criminal defense lawyer in Baltimore County can help you understand your options and build a strong defense.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Baltimore County
Maryland criminal law defines offenses under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, each carrying distinct penalties. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail. Theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with up to 5 years. Drug possession (non-marijuana, personal use) is a misdemeanor with up to 4 years. Marijuana under 10 grams results in a civil citation with a $100 fine.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
For the official Maryland criminal code, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court information, see the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Insider Procedural Edge: Baltimore County Criminal Defense
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 cases.
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record. Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) and Stet (inactive docket) are common dispositions.
- Arrest and 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.
- Pretrial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial 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 | Criminal record |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $1,000 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| 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.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Baltimore County Criminal Defense?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County builds cases. We provide advocacy without borders — representing clients across Maryland, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris, firm founder, personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute) and provides strategic oversight on complex criminal matters.
Baltimore County Criminal Defense Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges across Maryland courts.
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 clients in 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 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. 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 does a criminal case take in Baltimore County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically take 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks date (180-day speedy trial rule from first appearance) applies to felony jury trials.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of February 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
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