Facing criminal charges in Baltimore County carries serious consequences — second-degree assault carries up to 10 years under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Your defense starts with understanding your rights at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Understanding Criminal Charges Under Maryland Law
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
Maryland classifies criminal offenses into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for second-degree assault. Felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The state’s Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings deep understanding of Maryland’s criminal code to every case.
External Legal Resources
Review the official Maryland Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly) for complete statutory language. Visit the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website for court procedures, forms, and scheduling information.
Insider Procedural Edge: Baltimore County Criminal Defense
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes all cases. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on your record.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail conditions.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you remain detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea — not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence against you.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations with the State’s Attorney.
- Trial before a judge or jury, or entry of a plea agreement.
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry penalties from civil citations 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 | Criminal record, potential employment barriers |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record, restitution |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Criminal record, restitution, loss of voting rights |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, potential firearm prohibition |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Criminal record, treatment program requirement |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Baltimore County Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Kristen M. Fisher, a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, brings firsthand prosecutorial experience to your defense. She joined the firm in 2010 and dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, personally leads complex criminal defense matters.
Baltimore County Criminal Defense Case Results
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and favorable plea agreements.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Criminal Defense Services in Baltimore County
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.
Looking for a criminal defense lawyer near Towson or a criminal defense lawyer near Baltimore County? We serve all communities in the area.
We serve clients throughout Baltimore County 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. — Maryland
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in 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 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 at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest in Baltimore County: initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, arraignment, then 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.
How long does a criminal case take in Baltimore County?
It depends. District Court misdemeanor cases typically resolve in 30-90 days from arraignment to trial. Circuit Court felony cases take 3-12 months. The Hicks rule requires felony jury trials within 180 days from first appearance. Preliminary hearings occur within 30 days if you are detained without indictment.
Additional Legal Services in Baltimore County
We also provide representation for related legal matters in Baltimore County. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of this date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.