Felony Defense Lawyer Baltimore County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Baltimore County is a serious criminal charge lawyer Baltimore County must handle with immediate attention. Felonies like theft over $1,500, first-degree assault, and drug distribution carry penalties of up to 25 years in prison under Maryland law. As a felony defense lawyer Baltimore County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
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. Common felonies prosecuted in Baltimore County include first-degree assault, robbery, burglary, theft over $1,500, and controlled substance distribution. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, prison time, fines, and long-term consequences for employment, housing, and voting rights. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, whose background in accounting provides an edge in complex financial cases.
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website
Baltimore County Felony Court Process
Felony cases in Baltimore County begin with an initial appearance at the District Court in Towson. A commissioner sets bail. A preliminary hearing may be held within 30 days if the defendant is detained. The case is then forwarded to the Baltimore County Circuit Court for indictment and jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes these cases. Early intervention by a felony charge defense lawyer Baltimore County is critical for bail arguments and challenging the State’s evidence before formal charges are filed in Circuit Court.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: Appear before a District Court commissioner at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, for bail determination.
- Preliminary Hearing: If detained, request a bail review hearing within 24 hours. A preliminary hearing to assess probable cause may be scheduled.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: After indictment, you will be formally charged and enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest) in Baltimore County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with prosecutors. The discovery phase involves exchanging evidence.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement, potentially for a lesser charge.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where the judge imposes penalties based on state guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges
In Baltimore County, felony charges carry severe penalties, including decades in prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects future opportunities.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Permanent felony record; restitution |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime record; no gun ownership |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums; asset forfeiture |
| Burglary (1st Degree) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Permanent felony record; parole eligibility |
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 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our approach is built on a deep understanding of Maryland law and local court procedures. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, which provides a distinct advantage in dissecting complex financial evidence often present in felony cases. This experience is crucial for building a strong defense strategy.
Case Results in Baltimore County
Our team has achieved favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges in Baltimore County. In one case, a client charged with Possession of Child Pornography under Maryland code CR.11.208 received a sentence of 5 years incarceration with all time suspended and 5 years of supervised probation. In two separate cases, charges of Child Pornography Promotion/Distribution under Maryland law sec code CR.11.207.(a)(4) were dropped via Nolle Prosequi (dismissal). Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex felony matters, ensuring every defense is thorough.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near Baltimore County
Our Maryland office represents clients at Baltimore County courts. Contact us at (888)-437-7747 or (888) 437-7747 for directions. We serve communities including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Felony Defense FAQs for 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 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. Cases in Baltimore County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. Eligibility depends on the specific disposition and the nature of the offense.
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. Bail is set by the commissioner at the initial appearance.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland felonies carry severe penalties, including decades in prison. An attorney at Baltimore County Circuit Court can challenge evidence, negotiate for charge reductions, or seek dismissals. The procedural details and high stakes make legal representation essential for protecting your rights and future.
What is the difference between District Court and Circuit Court for a felony?
Felony cases start in District Court for an initial appearance and bail. A preliminary hearing may be held there to determine if there is enough evidence. The case is then sent to Circuit Court for indictment by a grand jury and for any jury trial. All felony trials are held in Circuit Court.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in Montgomery County and with DUI charges in Baltimore County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. 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.