In Baltimore County, Maryland, criminal charges carry serious penalties — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail 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 Child Trafficking Lawyer Baltimore can help protect your rights.
Understanding Criminal Law in Baltimore County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code. The state classifies offenses as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors carry up to 3 years in jail for most offenses, while felonies carry 1 year or more in prison. The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Baltimore County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes criminal cases in this jurisdiction.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Official Resources for Baltimore County Criminal Cases
For the complete text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court information, including filing procedures and local rules, visit the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Insider Knowledge: How Criminal Cases Work in Baltimore County
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The court is located at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286.
Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses. Nolle Prosequi (State’s Attorney drops charges) and Stet (placed on inactive docket) are common dispositions.
- Initial Appearance: After arrest, you appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. This happens within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Bail Review: If detained, you have a bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours. Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release.
- Arraignment: You appear in court to hear the charges and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this happens in District Court. For felonies, this happens in Circuit Court.
- Discovery and Motions: Your attorney reviews the evidence and files any pretrial motions, such as motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Your case proceeds to trial or you negotiate a plea. Maryland’s Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of the first appearance.
- Sentencing and Expungement: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence. After acquittal, dismissal, or completion of PBJ, you may be eligible for expungement under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
In Baltimore County, Maryland, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from civil citations to life 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 under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| 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 $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Drug treatment evaluation required |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Baltimore County Criminal Case?
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 over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County builds cases. We have a proven track record of achieving dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing criminal charges in Baltimore County.
Baltimore County Criminal Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and reduced charges for clients facing serious criminal allegations.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Baltimore County Criminal Defense Services
Distance: 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.
Near Me: Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Baltimore County? We serve clients throughout the area.
Neighborhoods Served: Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, Timonium.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About 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. 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 with 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: (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. 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 District Court and Circuit Court in Baltimore County?
District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The District Court is at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson. The Circuit Court is at 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson.
How long does a criminal case take in Baltimore County?
District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. Maryland’s Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days of the first appearance.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.