In Baltimore County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Sextortion Defense Lawyer Baltimore can protect your rights. Contact us for a consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Statutory Definition of Criminal Offenses in Baltimore County
In Baltimore County, criminal offenses are defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). This code covers a wide range of crimes from theft and assault to drug offenses and sex crimes. The penalties vary significantly based on the classification of the offense. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison, while theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days. Understanding the specific statute that applies to your case is critical for building a strong defense. Our firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has deep experience with these statutes.
External Citation Links
For official legal references, consult the Maryland General Assembly website for the full text of the Criminal Law Article. You can also review procedures at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Insider Procedural Edge: Baltimore County Court Process
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes these cases. A key procedural tool is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors or preliminary hearing for felonies.
- Felony cases are transferred to Baltimore County Circuit Court for jury trial.
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, or conviction).
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in Baltimore County
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 | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft ($1,500-$25,000) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
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 with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” In Baltimore County, we have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
Case Results in Baltimore County
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 specifically, we have achieved dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) for child pornography promotion/distribution charges and probation with all incarceration suspended for possession of child pornography.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQ: 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 and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
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 of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Baltimore County?
A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges permanently. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket for up to one year; if you avoid new charges, the case can be expunged. Both avoid a conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.