In Baltimore County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. A Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer Baltimore County can protect your rights. Contact us today.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR)
In Maryland, criminal law is governed by the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This statute defines offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties varying by classification. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days, while theft between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with up to 5 years. The Maryland Code also provides for expungement under Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220, allowing for record clearing after acquittals, dismissals, or successful completion of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
For official statute information, see the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
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 successful probation, expungement is available after a 3-year waiting period. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes all cases here.
- 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.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors; preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction).
- Expungement filing after qualifying disposition.
In Baltimore County, criminal penalties range 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; possible protective order |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | $10,000 | None | Criminal record; loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | $5,000 | None | Criminal record; firearm prohibition |
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, founder and managing attorney, also oversees your case strategy. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
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 Towson? 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.
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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. 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 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; theft $100-$1,500 carries up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Baltimore County?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but inactive. Both are eligible for expungement. A Stet can be reopened within one year if certain conditions are not met.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.