Felony Defense Lawyer Baltimore County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Baltimore County is a serious criminal charge with potential for years in prison and lasting consequences. Under Maryland law, felonies like theft over $1,500, first-degree assault, and drug distribution carry severe penalties. As a felony defense lawyer Baltimore County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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. For example, theft of property valued between $1,500 and $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record, affecting employment, housing, and professional licenses. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building strong defenses against such serious allegations.
Official Maryland Criminal Law Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website (mgaleg.maryland.gov). For court-specific procedures in Baltimore County, refer to the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website (courts.state.md.us).
Baltimore County Felony Case Process
Felony cases in Baltimore County begin with an initial appearance at the District Court in Towson. A commissioner sets bail. The case then proceeds to a preliminary hearing. If probable cause is found, the case is bound over to the Baltimore County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes these cases. Early intervention by a felony charge defense lawyer Baltimore County is critical to challenge evidence and negotiate before an indictment is filed.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: You will appear before a District Court commissioner at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, within 24 hours of arrest for a bail review.
- Preliminary Hearing: This hearing in District Court determines if there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed. Your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged (indicted) and enter a plea in Baltimore County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and obtains all discovery from the prosecution.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases resolve through negotiation. If not, your case proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, where arguments for mitigation are presented.
In Baltimore County, felony penalties vary widely: theft $1,500-$25,000 carries up to 5 years; first-degree assault up to 25 years; and drug distribution can lead to 20 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | N/A | Permanent criminal record, restitution |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | N/A | N/A | Violent crime designation, firearm restrictions |
| Drug Distribution (CDS) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Driver’s license suspension possible | Mandatory minimums, asset forfeiture |
| Burglary 1st Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | N/A | N/A | Considered a crime of violence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Serious Criminal Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds cases. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 documented case results. In Baltimore County, we actively defend clients facing felony allegations. Our approach involves meticulous case analysis, early investigation, and strategic negotiation aimed at reducing or dismissing charges.
Case Results in Baltimore County
Our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in serious cases. For instance, in a Baltimore County child pornography possession case, we secured a result of 5 years incarceration with all time suspended, plus 5 years of supervised probation. In other similar distribution charges, we have obtained Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides strategic oversight on complex felony cases, ensuring a multi-faceted defense approach.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near Baltimore County
Our Maryland location serves clients at Baltimore County courts. We represent individuals from Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.
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. 24/7 phone consultations.
Felony Defense in Baltimore County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
Yes, the key difference is the potential jail time. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, typically served in a county facility. A felony is punishable by more than one year, served in a state prison. Felonies also carry more severe long-term consequences for your record.
What happens after a felony arrest in Baltimore County?
It depends on the specific charge, but the general process includes: 1) An initial appearance before a District Court commissioner in Towson for bail setting. 2) A bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained. 3) A preliminary hearing in District Court to determine probable cause. 4) If bound over, the case goes to Baltimore County Circuit Court for arraignment and potential jury trial.
Can a felony charge be reduced in Baltimore County?
Yes. A skilled felony defense lawyer Baltimore County can often negotiate with the State’s Attorney to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor or a less serious felony. This can be achieved through pre-trial motions challenging evidence, presenting mitigating circumstances, or demonstrating weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Baltimore County?
Yes. The stakes are too high to proceed without an experienced serious criminal charge lawyer Baltimore County. An attorney protects your rights during questioning, argues for favorable bail, scrutinizes the evidence for constitutional violations, negotiates with prosecutors, and provides a strong defense at trial. The public defender is an option if you qualify financially.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a felony?
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. While available for some felonies, it is not guaranteed. If you successfully complete probation, a formal conviction is not entered on your record. After a 3-year waiting period, a PBJ disposition may be eligible for expungement.
For more information on related legal services, see our pages on Maryland Criminal Defense, or consider a Baltimore County DUI Lawyer if your case involves impaired driving allegations.
Last verified: April 2026. 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.