Criminal Defense Lawyer Baltimore County — What Are Your Options?
If you face a criminal charge in Baltimore County, you need a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer Baltimore County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. We have handled cases at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us 24/7.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Charges
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Penalties vary widely. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in jail and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. The specific statute applied to your case determines the potential consequences.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand how prosecutors in Baltimore County build cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). For court-specific information, visit the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Local Court Process in Baltimore County
All misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies in Baltimore County are handled at the District Court at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue in Towson. Felony jury trials proceed in Baltimore County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes cases. A key local procedural fact is Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). This disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for many offenses. Knowing how to beat criminal charges lawyer Baltimore County strategies often involve seeking a PBJ, Nolle Prosequi (dropped charges), or Stet (inactive docket) disposition.
Steps in a typical Baltimore County misdemeanor case:
- Initial Appearance & Bail: A District Court commissioner sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions and negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a favorable resolution.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to trial or is resolved through a plea agreement, PBJ, or dismissal.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence, which may include probation, fines, or jail time.
- Expungement: If eligible, you can petition to have the record sealed or expunged after a waiting period.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the offense classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Restitution, criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | Restitution, criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Protective order, no contact |
| Drug Possession (personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension, drug assessment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Baltimore County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We actively practice in Baltimore County. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand both sides of a case. For instance, Of Counsel attorney Kristen Fisher is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in District and Circuit Courts before joining our firm in 2010. This insight is invaluable when building a defense.
Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving positive results for clients. In Baltimore County, we have secured outcomes such as Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), and reduced charges. For example, we have handled cases involving serious charges where the outcome avoided a conviction on the client’s record. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our service areas.
Contact Our Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. We are accessible via I-695, I-83, and I-95.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at the District Court in Towson. After successful 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 in Baltimore County are expunged through the court where the case was heard, typically the District Court in Towson.
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 the District Court in Towson. Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years) or theft (up to 6 months). An attorney at the District Court in Towson can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, which is critical for protecting your future.
How can a criminal defense lawyer Baltimore County help me?
A criminal defense lawyer Baltimore County can protect your rights, analyze the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced or dismissed charges, represent you at all court hearings, and develop a strategy for the best possible outcome in your case.
Internal Links: For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County. If you are also dealing with a related matter, consider our Baltimore County DUI Lawyer services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current advice regarding your criminal charge defense lawyer Baltimore County needs.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.