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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for felony cases at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson and Baltimore County Circuit Court.
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 specific classification and penalties are defined in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) § 4-101. Felonies range from Class 1 felonies, which carry the most severe penalties, down to lesser felony classifications. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building strong defenses for these high-stakes cases.
For official court information, you can visit the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County website.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner in Towson who sets bail conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: If charged, a hearing is held in District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: The case is formally presented in Baltimore County Circuit Court, and you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all prosecution evidence.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer negotiates for reduced charges or proceeds to a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing occurs in Circuit Court, where arguments for leniency are presented.
In Baltimore County, felony penalties vary widely: a Class 1 felony like first-degree murder can carry life imprisonment, while a Class 4 felony like theft between $1,500 and $25,000 carries up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Permanent criminal record, difficulty finding employment/housing |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent felony record, loss of firearm rights |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimum sentences possible, asset forfeiture |
| Burglary in the First Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Considered a crime of violence, parole restrictions |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to felony defense. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally maintains a select caseload of complex criminal matters, providing strategic oversight. This depth of experience is crucial when facing a serious criminal charge in Baltimore.
Our team has achieved favorable results in serious cases. For instance, in Baltimore County, we secured a disposition of 5 years incarceration fully suspended with probation for a client facing a child pornography possession charge. In other cases, we have obtained Nolle Prosequi (dismissals) for charges of promoting/distributing child pornography. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
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.
Our Maryland location serves clients throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Dundalk, Essex, and Catonsville. We are accessible via major highways like I-695 and I-95. If you need a felony defense lawyer near Baltimore County courts, contact us for a consultation.
Felony Defense Lawyer Baltimore County FAQs
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The key difference is the potential prison sentence. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, while a felony carries a potential sentence of over one year in prison, up to life without parole.
Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Baltimore County?
It depends. Prosecutors in the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s office may agree to reduce a felony charge to a misdemeanor through plea negotiations, especially for first-time offenders or when evidence is weak. An experienced felony defense lawyer Baltimore can advocate for this outcome.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for a felony?
The preliminary hearing is held in District Court. The prosecutor must show probable cause that a crime was committed and you likely committed it. It is a critical stage where a felony charge defense lawyer Baltimore can challenge the State’s evidence and potentially get charges dismissed before they go to Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge in Baltimore County?
Yes. The consequences of a felony conviction are severe and long-lasting, including lengthy prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. A serious criminal charge lawyer Baltimore provides essential defense, protects your rights, and works toward the best possible outcome.
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. While more common for misdemeanors, it is available for some felonies at the judge’s discretion. Successful completion avoids a formal conviction on your record.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. If you are facing other charges, we provide representation for DUI/DWI and family law matters in Baltimore County.
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.