Facing criminal charges in Baltimore County, Maryland? Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, penalties range from 90 days for theft under $100 to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. Contact us 24/7.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Criminal Law and Your Rights
Maryland criminal law covers a wide range of offenses, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article (CR) defines these offenses and their penalties. For example, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison, while theft of property valued between $100 and $1,500 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months. The state also provides for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which can avoid a formal conviction on your record. Expungement is available for many offenses under Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220, including PBJ after a 3-year waiting period. The District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson handles most misdemeanor trials and initial appearances for felonies.
External Citation Links
For the official Maryland statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For court information, see the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Insider Procedural Edge: Baltimore County District Court
In Baltimore County District Court, prosecutors routinely offer PBJ for first-time offenders on non-violent charges. This disposition avoids a conviction on your record. The State’s Attorney for Baltimore County prosecutes all cases here.
- Step 1: Initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Step 2: Bail review hearing within 24 hours if you are detained.
- Step 3: Arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Step 4: Trial for misdemeanors in District Court; felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court.
- Step 5: Sentencing or disposition (PBJ, Stet, Nolle Prosequi, or conviction).
- Step 6: Expungement filing after qualifying disposition.
Penalty Table for Criminal Offenses in Baltimore County
In Baltimore County, criminal charges carry penalties from 90 days to 25 years, with fines up to $25,000.
| 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 $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
| Second-degree assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential protective order |
| First-degree assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Criminal record, potential firearm prohibition |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have former prosecutors on staff who understand how the state builds its cases.
Case Results in Baltimore County
SRIS actively practices here — 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 Location
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.
We serve Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.
24/7 phone consultations — 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 after 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 the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
It depends on the potential penalty. Misdemeanors carry up to 3 years in jail, while felonies carry more than 3 years in prison. The classification affects where your case is heard: misdemeanors in District Court, felonies in Circuit Court.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.