Trespassing Defense Lawyer Baltimore — What Are Your Rights?
Trespassing in Baltimore County is a criminal offense under Maryland law, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time. A skilled trespassing defense lawyer Baltimore from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the state’s proof of unlawful entry and protect your record.
Maryland Trespassing Law and Penalties
Trespassing, often charged as unlawful entry, is defined under Maryland’s criminal statutes. The specific charge and its severity depend on the circumstances, such as whether the property was posted, a dwelling, or a government facility.
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 a deep understanding of how these charges are prosecuted and defended in local courts.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s trespassing laws, refer to the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article. Court procedures and forms for Baltimore County cases can be found on the Maryland Courts website for the Towson District Court.
Local Court Process for a Trespass Charge in Baltimore County
In Baltimore County, most trespassing cases begin with a citation or arrest and are heard at the District Court in Towson. Prosecutors must prove you entered or remained on property without lawful authority or privilege. A common defense involves challenging whether the property was properly posted or if you had an implied license to be there.
- Initial Appearance & Charging: You will receive a summons or be processed after arrest. The charging document will specify the trespassing statute alleged.
- Arraignment: At your first court date in Towson, you will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Negotiation: Your attorney will review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and negotiate with the Assistant State’s Attorney for a reduction or favorable disposition.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial before a District Court judge. If an agreement is reached, the judge will approve the settlement.
- Sentencing or PBJ: If found guilty or if pleading guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include probation, fines, or jail. Your lawyer will argue for PBJ or minimal penalties.
- Post-Trial Options: Depending on the outcome, options may include filing an appeal to the Circuit Court or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement of the record.
Potential Penalties for Trespassing in Maryland
In Baltimore County, trespassing penalties vary by the specific charge but can include jail time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Record Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trespass on Posted Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | Criminal Conviction |
| Trespass on School Property | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | Criminal Conviction |
| Unlawful Entry of a Dwelling | Misdemeanor | Up to 3 years | Up to $2,500 | Serious Criminal Record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Trespassing Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who understands how the State’s Attorney’s office builds trespassing cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, maintains a selective caseload on complex matters, ensuring strategic oversight. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 documented case results.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our attorneys actively defend clients in Baltimore County. While results are unique to each case, our approach focuses on securing dismissals, reductions, or alternative dispositions like PBJ to protect our clients’ futures. For example, we have successfully resolved cases involving serious charges through negotiated agreements that avoided jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris provides strategic consultation on complex defense strategies, leveraging his decades of experience as a former prosecutor and firm founder.
Local Trespassing Defense Representation
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, and Catonsville. We are familiar with the procedures at the District Court in Towson and the local prosecutors.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to jail for trespassing in Maryland?
Yes. Depending on the specific trespass charge, jail time is possible, ranging from up to 90 days for trespass on posted property to up to 3 years for unlawful entry of a dwelling.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a trespass charge?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. It is available for many misdemeanor trespassing charges and is a common goal of a skilled trespass charge defense lawyer Baltimore.
Do I need a lawyer for a trespassing misdemeanor?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor can result in jail, fines, and a permanent record that affects jobs and housing. An attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate for PBJ or dismissal, and protect your rights in court.
What defenses are there to a trespassing charge?
Common defenses include lack of intent (you didn’t know you were trespassing), that the property was not properly posted with “No Trespassing” signs, that you had an implied license to be there (e.g., a business open to the public), or that the officer lacked probable cause for the arrest.
Can a trespassing charge be expunged in Maryland?
It depends. Acquittals, dismissals, and PBJ dispositions (after a 3-year waiting period) are generally eligible for expungement. A conviction may be expunged only if it is a qualifying non-violent offense under the Justice Reinvestment Act. An unlawful entry defense lawyer Baltimore can advise on your specific eligibility.
Internal Resources: For more information on criminal defense in Maryland, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and with related issues such as DUI defense in Baltimore.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your trespassing charge.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.