Felony Defense Lawyer Baltimore County — What Are Your Options?
A felony conviction in Baltimore County can result in years of imprisonment, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. Under Maryland law, felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those facing serious charges.
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 (CR) § 4-101. Felonies prosecuted in Baltimore County range from theft over $1,500 to serious violent crimes like first-degree assault. The consequences extend beyond jail time to include loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment, and immigration repercussions for non-citizens. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case.
For official court information, you can visit the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Handling a Felony Case in Baltimore County
Baltimore County District Court handles initial appearances and bail hearings for felonies, while felony jury trials proceed in Baltimore County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes these cases. Early intervention by a felony defense lawyer Baltimore is critical, as strategic motions filed before indictment can significantly impact the case’s direction. Understanding local procedures, such as the Hicks date (the 180-day speedy trial rule for felonies), is essential for protecting your rights.
- Initial Appearance & Bail Hearing: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, who will set bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Preliminary Hearing (if applicable): For certain felonies, a hearing is held in District Court within 30 days to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment or Information Filing: The State’s Attorney will present evidence to a grand jury or file a charging document (Information) to formally charge you with a felony in Circuit Court.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You will be formally read the charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pretrial Motions & Negotiations: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement, potentially to a lesser charge.
Potential Penalties for Felony Charges
In Baltimore County, felony penalties are severe and vary by offense, with incarceration terms ranging from over one year to decades in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, permanent record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime record, firearm prohibition |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Driver’s license suspension possible | Asset forfeiture, mandatory minimums |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Stigma as a crime against habitation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Felony Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a combined 120+ years of attorney experience and over 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, we have a deep understanding of the Maryland criminal justice system. Our lead attorney for Maryland criminal defense, Kristen Fisher, is a former Assistant State’s Attorney who personally prosecuted cases in Maryland District and Circuit Courts. This inside perspective is invaluable when building a defense against a serious criminal charge in Baltimore. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, leveraging his background in accounting and information systems for financial and tech-related felonies.
Case Results in Baltimore County
Our attorneys actively practice in Baltimore County courts. While every case is unique, our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In Baltimore County, we have achieved results such as case dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), reductions from felonies to misdemeanors, and favorable plea agreements that avoid incarceration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Felony Defense Lawyer Near Baltimore County
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, and Pikesville. We are accessible via I-695, I-83, and I-95. If you need a serious criminal charge lawyer Baltimore, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are held by appointment only at our Rockville location.
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 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 imprisonment for over one year, served in a state prison. Felonies also carry more severe long-term consequences for employment, housing, and civil rights.
Can a felony charge be reduced in Baltimore County?
It depends. Prosecutors in the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office may agree to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor through plea negotiations, especially for first-time offenders or when there are weaknesses in the evidence. An experienced felony defense lawyer Baltimore can advocate for a reduction based on the specifics of your case and background.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for a felony?
A preliminary hearing is held in District Court to determine if there is probable cause to believe a felony was committed and that you committed it. It is not a trial. Your attorney can cross-examine the state’s witnesses and argue for dismissal of the charges if the evidence is insufficient. Not all felonies require a preliminary hearing.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Baltimore County?
Yes. The penalties for a felony conviction are too severe to face without experienced representation. A public defender may be appointed if you qualify financially, but hiring a private felony defense lawyer Baltimore allows for more personalized attention and resources. An attorney can protect your rights, challenge evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome from the start.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a felony?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. PBJ is available for some felonies at the judge’s discretion in Baltimore County Circuit Court. After a 3-year waiting period, PBJ cases can be expunged.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges in Maryland, you may also need information on Maryland criminal defense. For charges in neighboring areas, see our pages for a criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery County or a criminal defense lawyer in Prince George’s County. For other legal needs in Baltimore County, consider a DUI/DWI lawyer or a divorce and family law lawyer.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.