Federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries up to 30 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Baltimore County, Maryland, including documented results in theft and fraud cases. A Bank Fraud Lawyer Baltimore County can help you handle federal charges.
Bank Fraud Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland
Federal bank fraud, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1344, makes it a crime to knowingly execute or attempt to execute a scheme to defraud a financial institution or to obtain money, property, or assets owned by or under the custody of a financial institution by false or fraudulent pretenses. The statute applies to any federally insured bank, credit union, or savings association. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. The federal government prosecutes these cases aggressively, often with multi-agency investigations involving the FBI, IRS-CI, and Secret Service. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (Cornell LII)
For the official text of the federal bank fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (U.S. Department of Justice — official site). For information on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, visit U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (uscourts.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely use grand jury subpoenas and search warrants to gather evidence in bank fraud cases. We have observed that early engagement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office before indictment can sometimes lead to more favorable outcomes, including declination of charges.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents and electronic records related to the alleged fraud.
- Contact a federal bank fraud defense lawyer Baltimore County immediately.
- Review the indictment or target letter with your attorney to understand the specific allegations.
- Develop a defense strategy that may include challenging evidence, negotiating a plea, or preparing for trial.
- Attend all court appearances and comply with pretrial conditions.
In Baltimore County, federal bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine under 18 U.S.C. § 1344.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | None (federal offense) | Restitution, asset forfeiture, supervised release, loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has handled numerous theft and fraud cases, including bank fraud matters, and has a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing federal charges.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results in theft and fraud cases, including 92 documented results in the Theft/Fraud/Property category, with 59 dismissals or not guilty outcomes and 28 reductions or amendments — a favorable-outcome rate of 94.6%. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 45 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division) at 101 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, with access via I-95 and I-695. A Bank Fraud Lawyer Baltimore County near you is available for consultation. Serving the communities of 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 Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bank Fraud in Baltimore County
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?
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?
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 state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in MD?
Federal criminal cases in MD are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes, immediately. Federal cases at U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal investigative resources (FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, ATF) and carry federal sentencing guidelines that often include mandatory minimums. State-court experience does not translate — federal practice has distinct rules, pretrial detention standards, and sentencing procedures. Early engagement before indictment materially affects outcomes. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747, by appointment only.
For more information about our firm’s practice in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland page. You may also be interested in our Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County or Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County pages.
Last verified: April 2026