Criminal Defense Lawyer Baltimore — What Are Your Defense Options?
A criminal charge in Baltimore County carries serious penalties, including jail time and fines under Maryland law. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for charges heard at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County in Towson. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand local procedures. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
If you are facing a criminal charge, you need a dedicated criminal defense lawyer Baltimore team. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, focuses on building a strong defense strategy for each client. Our attorneys analyze police reports, challenge evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors to seek the best possible outcome.
Maryland Criminal Law and Penalties
Criminal offenses in Maryland are defined by the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties varying by the severity of the offense. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony with a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.
Understanding the specific statute and potential consequences is the first step in building your defense. A skilled criminal defense lawyer Baltimore can explain the charges against you and the possible range of penalties.
Official Resources and Court Information
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. Criminal cases for Baltimore County are typically heard at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). This court handles arraignments, bail reviews, and trials for misdemeanor offenses.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy in Baltimore County
The key to how to beat criminal charges lawyer Baltimore clients rely on involves understanding local court nuances. In Baltimore County District Court, prosecutors from the State’s Attorney’s office routinely offer dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) or place cases on the stet docket. A PBJ disposition avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor for dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charges.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge. If an agreement is reached, the judge approves the disposition.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges in Baltimore
In Baltimore County, criminal penalties vary widely based on the charge classification, with misdemeanors carrying jail time up to 10 years and felonies carrying prison sentences of 5 years or more.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible for DUI-related | Protective order, loss of firearm rights |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | No | Restitution, criminal record |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory drug assessment, probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, and we have documented over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. We bring direct insight into how prosecutors build cases, which is invaluable when constructing a defense.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a track record of achieving positive results for clients in Baltimore County. In one case, we secured a disposition of 5 years of incarceration fully suspended with 5 years of supervised probation for a client facing a serious child pornography possession charge. In other cases, we have achieved a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for charges of child pornography distribution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our secondary attorney on complex criminal matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, which provides a unique advantage in financial and tech-related cases.
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.
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 major highways including I-695, I-83, and I-95. If you are searching for a criminal defense lawyer near Baltimore County courts, contact us for a consultation.
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 at the District Court in Towson. After successful probation completion, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Eligibility is specific to your case’s outcome and the offense. An attorney can review your record and determine if you qualify.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a commissioner for bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment to hear charges, (4) pre-trial negotiations and motions, (5) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at the District Court in Towson. Felonies begin there but move to Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault with up to 10 years. An attorney at the District Court in Towson can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that protect your record and future far better than handling the process alone.
For more information on related legal services, see our pages on DUI defense in Baltimore and family law matters. You can also learn about our work in neighboring areas like Montgomery County or return to our Maryland criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current advice regarding your criminal charge, contact a criminal defense lawyer Baltimore at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.