Criminal Defense Lawyer Baltimore County — What Are Your Options?
If you face a criminal charge in Baltimore County, you need a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer Baltimore County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. We have handled cases at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact us 24/7.
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Charges
Maryland classifies crimes as misdemeanors or felonies under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Misdemeanors like theft under $1,500 can carry up to 6 months in jail. Felonies like first-degree assault can lead to up to 25 years in prison. The specific penalties depend on the charge and your history.
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 uses deep legal knowledge to build defenses. We understand how prosecutors in Baltimore County build cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly site). For court-specific information, see the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Local Court Process in Baltimore County
All misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances happen at the District Court at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue in Towson. Felony jury trials move to Baltimore County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes cases. A key local tool is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). If granted, PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record after successful probation.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial & Negotiation: Your attorney reviews evidence, files motions, and negotiates with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
- Sentencing or Probation: If found guilty, the judge imposes a sentence which may include jail, fines, probation, or PBJ.
- Post-Trial Options: This may include filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement to clear your record.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines and probation to years in prison, heavily influenced by the specific offense and your criminal history.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Varies | None | Violent felony record |
| Drug Possession (Personal Use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $25,000 | Possible suspension | Mandatory drug assessment |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We focus on building a strong defense strategy from the start. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of a case. Our approach is direct and focused on your specific situation.
Case Results in Baltimore County
Our firm actively practices in Baltimore County courts. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes, including dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements. For example, our team has secured outcomes like Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) in serious cases. In one Baltimore County child pornography distribution case, the charges were dropped (Nolle Prosequi). In another possession case, the client received a suspended sentence with probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, brings additional strategic depth with his multi-state experience and background in accounting, which is advantageous in complex financial cases.
Contact Our Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients in Baltimore County. We are accessible from I-695, I-83, and I-95. If you need a criminal defense lawyer near Towson or the Baltimore County courts, we can help.
We serve communities including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — 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.
Baltimore County Criminal Defense FAQs
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 the District Court in Towson. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after 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, typically the District Court in Towson.
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 the District Court in Towson. Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court. Court costs range from approximately $22.50 to $55.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties, like second-degree assault (up to 10 years) or theft (up to 6 months). An attorney at the District Court in Towson can negotiate for a PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, outcomes that are difficult to secure without counsel.
How can a criminal charge defense lawyer Baltimore County help me?
It depends on your case. A lawyer can challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or PBJ, represent you at trial, and advise on expungement. Their goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that’s a dismissal, reduction, or alternative sentencing.
What should I look for in how to beat criminal charges lawyer Baltimore County?
Look for direct experience in Baltimore County courts, knowledge of local prosecutors and judges, a track record of favorable results, and a clear strategy for your case. A lawyer who understands local procedures like PBJ and expungement is critical for building a strong defense.
Internal Resources
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County. If you have related legal needs in Baltimore County, explore our services for DUI/DWI defense or family law.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance on your specific case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.