Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney — What Are Your Legal Options?
Facing criminal charges in Baltimore County is a serious matter. A Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides essential guidance. The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson handles misdemeanor trials and initial felony appearances. Our firm has documented results in this jurisdiction. We offer 24/7 consultations to discuss your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Understanding Criminal Charges in Baltimore County
Criminal charges in Maryland are defined by state statute. The Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) classifies offenses and sets penalties. For example, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Theft under $100 is a misdemeanor with a maximum 90-day jail sentence. More serious charges like first-degree assault are felonies with penalties up to 25 years. The specific classification and potential consequences depend on the alleged conduct and the defendant’s history. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, focuses on building strong defenses against these charges.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s criminal laws, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 4-101 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court-specific information, visit the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Local Court Process for a Criminal Case
The process in Baltimore County District Court follows specific steps. After an arrest, an initial appearance before a commissioner sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if the defendant is detained. The case then proceeds to arraignment and trial. Prosecutors from the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County office handle the case. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). PBJ is a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record upon successful completion of probation. It is a critical negotiation point for many misdemeanors and some felonies.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest or receiving a summons.
- Attend the initial appearance/arraignment to enter a plea.
- Work with your attorney to review discovery and investigate the state’s evidence.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a favorable disposition, such as dismissal, PBJ, or reduced charges.
- Prepare for trial if a satisfactory plea agreement cannot be reached.
- Address sentencing or probation terms if a conviction is entered.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Offenses
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry a range of penalties from fines to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the offense classification.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theft Under $100 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Theft $100-$1,500 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months | Up to $500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Possible | Protective order, criminal record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | Possible | Violent felony record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Founded in 1997, our firm is built on a foundation of former prosecutorial insight. We understand how the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County builds cases. This experience allows us to anticipate strategies and develop effective counter-arguments for our clients facing criminal court proceedings.
Approach to Your Case
We approach each case by first securing and reviewing all discovery from the prosecution. We investigate the circumstances of the arrest and the evidence. Our goal is to identify weaknesses in the state’s case, such as procedural errors, witness credibility issues, or violations of your rights. We then advocate for the best possible outcome, which may be a dismissal, a favorable plea agreement like PBJ, or a strong defense at trial. Firm-wide, our attorneys have handled 4,739+ documented case results.
Our secondary attorney for complex matters is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with multi-state bar admissions, including Maryland. His strategic oversight is applied to challenging cases.
Contact Our Baltimore County Criminal Defense Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Our Rockville location serves clients at Baltimore County courts. We represent individuals in Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium. 24/7 phone consultations are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Baltimore County, Maryland?
It depends. 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. Eligibility hinges on the final disposition and waiting periods.
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. 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.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance on your criminal charges, contact a Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.