In Baltimore County, Maryland, criminal charges range from theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to first-degree assault (up to 25 years). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. A Wire Fraud Lawyer Baltimore can help you understand your options under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article (CR) of the Maryland Code. The statute defines various offenses, their classifications, and corresponding penalties. For example, second-degree assault is defined under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-203, while theft offenses are categorized under Title 7 of the Criminal Law Article. The Maryland Code also provides for expungement under Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220, which allows for the removal of certain criminal records after acquittal, dismissal, or completion of a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has extensive experience handling these statutes in Baltimore County courts.
For the official text of Maryland criminal statutes, visit the Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, refer to the Maryland Judiciary website (courts.state.md.us).
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere).
- Pre-trial motions and discovery exchange between your attorney and the State’s Attorney.
- Trial in District Court for misdemeanors; preliminary hearing for felonies before Circuit Court.
- Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction) after trial or plea.
In Baltimore County, Maryland, criminal penalties vary by offense classification, ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Possible protective order; firearm prohibition |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution to victim |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Restitution; possible PBJ eligibility |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution; loss of voting rights while incarcerated |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Firearm prohibition; possible sex offender registration if sexually motivated |
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 attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases, giving you a strategic advantage in Baltimore County courts.
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys have secured dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements for clients facing a wide range of criminal charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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.
Criminal defense lawyer near Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Baltimore County, Maryland?
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 (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Baltimore County, Maryland?
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 (District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
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 (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
In Maryland, a misdemeanor is punishable by up to 3 years in jail, though some carry longer sentences (e.g., second-degree assault: up to 10 years). A felony is punishable by more than 3 years in prison. Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies begin in District Court for initial appearance and proceed to Circuit Court for trial.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.