Felony Defense Lawyer Baltimore County — What Are Your Options?
A felony charge in Baltimore County is a serious criminal charge prosecuted in Circuit Court, carrying potential prison time and long-term consequences. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for felony charges in Towson and across Baltimore County. Our team, including former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, understands the local court system at 120 East Chesapeake Avenue. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, a felony is a crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. Felonies are classified by degree, with penalties ranging from several years to life imprisonment. The specific statute governing your charge, such as those found in the Maryland Criminal Law Article, dictates the potential penalties and available defenses. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, has experience handling serious criminal charges across Maryland.
For official state law, refer to the Maryland Code (official Maryland General Assembly website). Court information for Baltimore County is available at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner for bail determination.
- Preliminary Hearing: If charged by a statement of charges, a hearing is held to determine probable cause.
- Grand Jury Indictment or Information: Felony charges proceed via grand jury indictment or a charging document filed by the State’s Attorney.
- Arraignment in Circuit Court: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions and exchanges evidence with the prosecution.
- Trial or Plea Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a negotiated plea agreement.
In Baltimore County, felony penalties vary widely; for example, first-degree assault carries up to 25 years in prison, while theft of $1,500 to $25,000 is a felony punishable by up to 5 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft $1,500-$25,000 | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $10,000 | None | Restitution, criminal record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Violent crime record, firearm restrictions |
| Controlled Substance Distribution | Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Possible driver’s license suspension | Mandatory minimums, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. We focus on providing strong representation for clients facing serious allegations. Firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, maintains a strategic overview of complex cases.
Our firm has handled numerous cases in Baltimore County. For example, we have secured outcomes such as nolle prosequi (dismissal) in child pornography distribution cases and negotiated suspended sentences with probation in other serious matters. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, provides strategic counsel on complex felony defenses, leveraging his background as a former prosecutor and his multi-state practice experience.
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 in Baltimore County. We represent individuals from Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. If you need a felony defense lawyer near Baltimore County, contact us for a consultation.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?
The key difference is the potential prison sentence. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies carry a potential sentence of more than one year in a state prison. Felonies also typically have more severe long-term consequences for employment, housing, and civil rights.
Can a felony charge be reduced in Baltimore County?
It depends. Prosecutors may agree to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor through a plea agreement, especially for first-time offenders or when evidence is weak. An attorney can negotiate for a reduction or seek alternative dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for eligible charges to avoid a formal conviction.
What happens at a preliminary hearing for a felony?
The 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 a critical stage where a defense attorney can challenge the State’s evidence and potentially get charges dismissed before the case moves to Circuit Court.
How long does a felony case take in Baltimore County Circuit Court?
Felony cases can take from several months to over a year. The timeline depends on case complexity, evidence, court scheduling, and whether the case goes to trial. The Hicks date rule requires the State to bring a jailed defendant to trial within 180 days of the first attorney appearance.
Do I need a lawyer for a felony charge?
Yes. The consequences of a felony conviction are severe, including lengthy prison sentences and a permanent criminal record. A felony defense lawyer Baltimore County residents trust can protect your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and provide representation at trial that a public defender may not have the resources to match.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and with related issues such as DUI defense in Baltimore County.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.