
In Baltimore County, criminal charges range from theft under $100 (up to 90 days) to first-degree assault (up to 25 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. A Child Trafficking Lawyer Baltimore can help protect your rights.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland — What Is Your Best Defense?
Understanding Criminal Law in Baltimore County, Maryland
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law Article of the Maryland Code. Offenses are classified as misdemeanors or felonies based on the potential penalty. Misdemeanors carry up to 10 years for second-degree assault, while felonies like first-degree assault carry up to 25 years. The Justice Reinvestment Act expanded expungement eligibility for many non-violent convictions. If you are facing charges, a Child Trafficking Lawyer Baltimore can explain how these laws apply to your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly)
- District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson (official court website)
Insider Procedural Edge: What You Need to Know About Baltimore County Criminal Court
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Baltimore County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. 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 and is available for many offenses.
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where both sides exchange evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations.
- Trial or plea hearing before a judge.
Penalties for Criminal Offenses in Baltimore County
In Baltimore County, criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from civil citations to 25 years in prison depending on the charge and classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Theft under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Restitution required |
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution required |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Protective order possible |
| Drug possession (non-marijuana) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension | Probation possible |
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.”
Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney builds cases. This insider knowledge allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build strong defenses for our clients.
Kristen M. Fisher — Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Kristen Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. She joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010 and dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. She represents clients in Maryland state and federal courts, as well as Virginia state courts. Bar admissions: Maryland; Virginia.
Case Results in Baltimore County
SRIS actively practices in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Baltimore County Criminal Defense Services
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Baltimore County courts. We are accessible via I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-83, I-95, Route 1, Route 40, and Route 45.
If you are searching for a “criminal defense lawyer near Baltimore County” or “affordable child trafficking lawyer Baltimore,” we can help.
We serve the communities of 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
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
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.
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.
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.
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. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is the difference between a Child Trafficking Lawyer Baltimore and a general criminal defense lawyer?
A Child Trafficking Lawyer Baltimore focuses specifically on cases involving child exploitation, trafficking, and related federal and state charges. These cases require specialized knowledge of both Maryland criminal law and federal trafficking statutes.
How do I find an affordable child trafficking lawyer Baltimore?
It depends. Many criminal defense firms offer payment plans. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultation by appointment and can discuss fee arrangements during your initial call at (888) 437-7747.
Related Legal Services
- Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Baltimore County DUI Lawyer
- Baltimore County Family Law Lawyer
- Kristen Fisher — Former Prosecutor
- Our Maryland Office
Legal Information Update
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
