In Baltimore County, criminal charges under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article carry penalties from fines to 25 years in prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Former prosecutors on staff provide strategic defense at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law defines offenses in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Charges range from misdemeanors like second-degree assault (up to 10 years) to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The state classifies theft by value: under $100 (90 days), $100-$1,500 (6 months), $1,500-$25,000 (5 years). Drug possession carries up to 4 years for non-marijuana substances. Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson handles all misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. Understanding the specific statute you face is the first step in building a defense.
Review the official statutes: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) (official Maryland General Assembly) and District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson (official Maryland Courts).
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes cases at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses.
- Initial Appearance: A District Court commissioner sets bail within 24 hours of arrest. You can request a bail review hearing if detained.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere) at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery.
- Negotiation: The State’s Attorney may offer PBJ, a Stet (inactive docket), or a plea agreement with reduced charges.
- Trial: Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court. Felony trials move to Baltimore County Circuit Court.
- Post-Disposition: If you receive PBJ or a dismissal, you may qualify for expungement after the waiting period.
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry penalties from fines to prison time. The table below shows common classifications and consequences.
| 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 | Protective order possible |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Baltimore County, we bring former prosecutor insight to every criminal defense case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the law.
Mr. Sris, firm founder and former prosecutor, also handles complex criminal matters in Baltimore County. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in financial and tech-related cases.
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Baltimore County courts, accessible via I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-83, I-95, Route 1, Route 40, and Route 45.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Baltimore County? 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.
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 (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). 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.
Cases in Baltimore County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson). The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded eligibility for many non-violent offenses.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends on the charge. After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson. Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court. Court costs are approximately $22.50-$55.
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. Theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months in jail.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Baltimore County?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket.
With a Stet, the State can reopen the case within one year if you commit another offense. Both dispositions are eligible for expungement. Your attorney can advise which option best fits your situation.
Related pages: 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
Attorney Profile: Kristen Fisher | Location: Rockville/MD Location
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.