Assault and Battery Lawyer Baltimore County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Assault and battery in Baltimore County are serious offenses under Maryland law, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Assault and Battery Laws
Maryland law defines assault and battery under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (CR). Assault generally refers to the threat of harmful or offensive contact, while battery involves the actual physical contact. In Baltimore County, these charges are prosecuted by the State’s Attorney’s Office and heard at the District Court in Towson for misdemeanors, or the Circuit Court for felonies. The specific penalties depend on the degree of the offense and the circumstances.
Official Legal Resources
For the official Maryland statute, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson website.
Baltimore County Court Process for Assault Charges
In Baltimore County, all misdemeanor assault and battery trials begin at the District Court in Towson. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), a disposition that avoids a formal conviction on your record if you successfully complete probation. Prosecutors in Towson frequently consider PBJ for first-time offenders. The process typically involves:
- Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail determination.
- Arraignment where you formally hear the charges and enter a plea.
- Pre-trial motions and discovery phase to review evidence.
- Negotiation with the State’s Attorney for a potential plea agreement or PBJ.
- Preparation for trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Sentencing or disposition following a plea or verdict.
Potential Penalties for Assault and Battery in Baltimore County
In Baltimore County, assault and battery penalties range from probation and fines to significant prison time, depending on the charge’s severity and the defendant’s record.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | Felony record, loss of firearm rights |
| Battery | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Same as second-degree assault |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Firm Experience and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. Mr. Sris, the managing attorney and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. The firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Case Results
Our attorneys have represented clients in Baltimore County on serious charges. In one case, a client facing a child pornography promotion charge saw the charge dismissed (Nolle Prosequi). In another, a possession charge resulted in a fully suspended sentence with probation. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Baltimore County Assault and Battery Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients in Baltimore County. We are accessible from I-695, I-83, and I-95. We are an assault and battery lawyer near Towson, serving communities including Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, and Owings Mills.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
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. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors, including second-degree assault, at the Towson District Court. After successful probation completion, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can an assault and battery defense lawyer Baltimore County get my charge dismissed?
It depends. Dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) are possible if the evidence is weak, witnesses are unavailable, or your rights were violated. An experienced assault charge dismissed lawyer Baltimore County can file motions to suppress evidence or challenge the State’s case, increasing the chance of a dismissal before trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge in Baltimore County?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanor assaults carry penalties up to 10 years in prison. An attorney at the Towson District Court can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction) or a dismissal, protecting your record and future. The potential consequences make legal representation critical.
What happens after an arrest for assault in Baltimore County?
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a commissioner for bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your case will then proceed to arraignment and pre-trial proceedings at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson for misdemeanors.
Can I get an assault record expunged in Baltimore County?
Yes, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), Stet, and PBJ dispositions after a 3-year wait. The expungement petition is filed in the court where the case was heard, such as the Towson District Court. Recent law changes have expanded eligibility.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance regarding assault and battery charges in Baltimore County.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.