Facing criminal charges in Baltimore County, Maryland? Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, penalties range from civil citations to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Contact a Sextortion Defense Lawyer Baltimore today.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. Offenses range from misdemeanors, such as second-degree assault (up to 10 years), to felonies like first-degree assault (up to 25 years). The state also provides critical dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction, and expanded expungement under the Justice Reinvestment Act. A Sextortion Defense Lawyer Baltimore understands these statutes inside and out.
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly Criminal Law Article. For court procedures and local rules, see the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
In Baltimore County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer PBJ for first-time offenders on many misdemeanors. This disposition avoids a conviction on your record. After completing probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period. An extortion charge defense lawyer Baltimore can negotiate this outcome.
- Initial Appearance: You appear before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. This happens within 24 hours of arrest.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs in District Court within 24 hours.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea. For misdemeanors, this is in District Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court. Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court for jury trials.
- Disposition: Outcomes include dismissal, PBJ, Stet, conviction, or Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped).
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry penalties from civil fines to 25 years 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 ($100-$1,500) | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Firearm prohibition |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension (6 months) | Drug treatment evaluation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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 a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute in Virginia, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect real change in the law. A blackmail defense lawyer Baltimore from our team brings this depth of experience to every case.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, also oversees this case. He is a former prosecutor with bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. He personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 and has been practicing since 1997.
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In sex crimes cases in Baltimore County, we have achieved outcomes including Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped) for child pornography promotion/distribution charges and a disposition of 5 years incarceration with all suspended for possession of child pornography.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
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, typically the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends. 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. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a Stet and Nolle Prosequi in Baltimore County?
It depends. A Nolle Prosequi means the State’s Attorney drops the charges completely. A Stet places the case on an inactive docket — the charges remain pending but inactive. If you complete certain conditions, a Stet can later be expunged. Both are favorable outcomes that avoid a conviction.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.
See our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page for statewide information.
We also serve clients in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.
If you need representation for other matters, see our DUI/DWI lawyer in Baltimore County or family law lawyer in Baltimore County.