Felony Defense Lawyer Baltimore County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Baltimore County is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison and lasting consequences. Under Maryland law, felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. A felony defense lawyer Baltimore from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the State’s evidence and protect your rights.
Maryland Felony Charges and Statutes
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. The classification and penalties are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. For example, theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. A felony charge defense lawyer Baltimore must handle these statutes, which are prosecuted in the Baltimore County Circuit Court for jury trials.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal laws, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly website). Court procedures and local rules for Baltimore County can be found on the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Local Court Process for Felonies in Baltimore County
Felony cases in Baltimore County begin with an initial appearance at the District Court in Towson. A commissioner sets bail. The case then proceeds to a preliminary hearing. If probable cause is found, the case is bound over to the Baltimore County Circuit Court for indictment and trial. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes these cases.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: You appear before a District Court commissioner at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, following arrest.
- Preliminary Hearing: A District Court judge determines if there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you are formally charged and enter a plea in Baltimore County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews the State’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases resolve through negotiation; others proceed to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the Circuit Court judge imposes a sentence based on Maryland guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Felony Convictions
In Baltimore County, a felony conviction can result in state prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime designation |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimums possible |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Considered a crime of violence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our combined legal experience exceeds 120 years. We provide “Advocacy Without Borders.” For Baltimore County felony cases, our team includes former Maryland prosecutor Kristen Fisher, who brings direct insight into local prosecution strategies.
Case Results in Baltimore County
Our attorneys have achieved favorable outcomes in serious cases. For instance, in a Baltimore County child pornography possession case, we secured a result of 5 years incarceration with all time suspended, plus 5 years of supervised probation. In other similar distribution charges, we have obtained Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Contact Our Baltimore County Felony Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland office serves clients throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, and Catonsville. We are accessible via I-695, I-83, and I-95. If you need a felony defense lawyer near Baltimore County courts, we are available 24/7 for phone consultations.
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.
Felony Defense Lawyer Baltimore County FAQs
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The main difference is the potential jail time. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felonies can result in more than one year in a state prison. Theft over $1,500, first-degree assault, and drug distribution are common felonies in Baltimore County.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for a felony in Baltimore County?
It depends. The preliminary hearing is held in District Court. The State must show probable cause that a crime was committed and that you likely committed it. It is a critical stage where a serious criminal charge lawyer Baltimore can challenge the evidence before the case moves to Circuit Court for trial.
Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Maryland?
Yes. Through plea negotiations, a felony charge can sometimes be reduced to a misdemeanor. This is often a primary goal of a felony charge defense lawyer Baltimore, as it significantly reduces potential penalties and long-term consequences for the client.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a felony?
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 many felonies at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Baltimore County?
Yes. The consequences of a felony conviction are severe, including lengthy prison sentences and a permanent record. An experienced felony defense lawyer Baltimore can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward dismissal, reduction, or acquittal. The State will be represented by an experienced prosecutor.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.