In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry serious penalties 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 Statutory Rape Lawyer Baltimore County can help protect your rights and future. Contact us today.
Understanding Criminal Charges in Baltimore County
Maryland criminal law is codified in the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Offenses range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson handles misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. Baltimore County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes all criminal cases in the county.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Official Resources
- Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) — Official Maryland General Assembly
- District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson — Official Court Website
Insider Knowledge: Baltimore County Criminal Procedure
Baltimore County District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes cases here. Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a critical disposition — it avoids a formal conviction on the defendant’s record and is available for many offenses.
- Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, a District Court commissioner sets bail.
- Bail Review: If detained, a bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours in District Court.
- Arraignment: Formal charges are read; you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Plea: Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
- Disposition: Options include dismissal, PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction.
In Baltimore County, criminal penalties vary by offense classification — from civil citations to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| 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, potential loss of professional license |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| Drug Possession (non-marijuana, personal use) | Misdemeanor | Up to 4 years | Up to $1,000 | Driver’s license suspension possible | Criminal record, potential loss of federal benefits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Baltimore County Criminal Case?
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 team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County builds cases. This insider knowledge allows us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop effective defense strategies.
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.
Baltimore County 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.
Our Baltimore County Criminal Defense Services
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 Baltimore County? We serve 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. 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.
What happens after a criminal arrest in Baltimore County, Maryland?
After arrest: (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. 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: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
What is a Statutory Rape Lawyer Baltimore County and how can they help?
A Statutory Rape Lawyer Baltimore County provides legal representation for individuals charged with statutory rape offenses. These cases involve complex consent laws and potential severe penalties. An experienced attorney can challenge evidence, negotiate plea agreements, and work to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
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 — Attorney Profile
- Our Maryland Office
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
