Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
Facing criminal charges in Baltimore County? Under Maryland law, penalties range from 90 days for petty theft to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us 24/7.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors, such as second-degree assault (up to 10 years), to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 4-101 defines assault classifications. Expungement options are available under Criminal Procedure § 6-220 for acquittals, dismissals, and certain convictions after a waiting period.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, see the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Insider Knowledge: Baltimore County Court Process
In Baltimore County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for first-time offenders. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record. After completing probation, you can seek expungement after a 3-year waiting period.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail or conditions of release.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea. Misdemeanor trials occur in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea, such as PBJ or a reduced charge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties. Your attorney can argue for probation or alternative sentencing.
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil fines to 25 years in prison, depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft (under $100) | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Probation, restitution |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Probation, restitution |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order, probation |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Probation, firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Probation, drug treatment |
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 a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
In Baltimore County, our team includes former Maryland prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases. We use that insight to challenge evidence, negotiate favorable dispositions like PBJ or Nolle Prosequi, and fight for dismissals.
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. In sex crimes cases in Baltimore County, we have achieved outcomes including Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) for child pornography distribution charges and suspended incarceration with probation for possession charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Your Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
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. We are a criminal defense lawyer near 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.
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record. 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 are expunged through the court where the case was heard.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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; felonies go to Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years. An attorney 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?
Yes. You must wait 3 years from the date the probation ends before you can file for expungement of a PBJ in Maryland. The waiting period applies to most non-violent offenses.
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.