Burglary in Baltimore County, Maryland, is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison for first-degree burglary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Baltimore County, including documented results in sex crimes cases at the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson.
Burglary Defense Lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland
Burglary in Maryland is defined under the Criminal Law Article. First-degree burglary involves breaking and entering a dwelling with intent to commit a crime, while the person is in the dwelling. This is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Second-degree burglary, which does not require a person to be present, carries up to 15 years. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Baltimore must understand these distinctions to build an effective defense. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: May 2026 | District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson | Maryland General Assembly
For the full text of Maryland’s burglary statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-201 et seq. (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures, visit District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson (Maryland Courts — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for burglary charges, especially when a dwelling is involved. We have observed that early intervention before arraignment can lead to more favorable outcomes, such as a Nolle Prosequi or a reduction to a lesser charge.
- Remain silent and request an attorney immediately after arrest.
- Attend your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail setting.
- Hire a Burglary Defense Lawyer Baltimore to review the charging documents.
- Your attorney will file pretrial motions to suppress evidence if there were procedural violations.
- Negotiate with the State’s Attorney for Baltimore County for a PBJ or dismissal.
- If no agreement is reached, prepare for trial at the District Court or Circuit Court.
In Baltimore County, burglary carries penalties ranging from 5 to 20 years in prison, depending on the degree and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Burglary | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | None | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment |
| Second-Degree Burglary | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $15,000 | None | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment |
| Third-Degree Burglary | Misdemeanor | Up to 3 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Criminal record, potential immigration consequences |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has handled numerous criminal cases in Baltimore County, including sex crimes matters where charges were dismissed or reduced. A Burglary Defense Lawyer Baltimore from SRIS, P.C. leverages this experience to protect your rights.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Baltimore County, including documented results in sex crimes cases: in one case, a charge of Possess Child Pornography resulted in 5 years incarceration with ALL suspended and 5 years supervised probation; in another, a charge of Child Pornography Promote/Distribute resulted in Nolle Prosequi. Results may vary. These outcomes demonstrate the firm’s ability to achieve favorable dispositions.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 45 miles from the District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson, with access via I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-83, and I-95. A Burglary Defense Lawyer Baltimore near you can provide representation. Serving the communities of 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 Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burglary Defense in Baltimore County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Baltimore County, Maryland?
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 (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes, PBJ avoids a formal conviction and can be expunged after 3 years.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Baltimore County, Maryland?
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 (District Court of MD for Baltimore County – Towson). SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Yes, expungement is available for many dispositions under Maryland law.
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 (120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286). Felonies go to Baltimore County Circuit Court. Bail set by District Court commissioner at initial appearance; Maryland permits pretrial release on personal recognizance, bail, or conditions of release; bail review hearing in District Court within 24 hours if detained; public defender eligibility based on income; court costs: approximately $22.50-$55. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
After arrest, you will have an initial appearance, bail review, arraignment, and trial.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Baltimore County, Maryland?
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. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Contact SRIS at (888) 437-7747.
Yes, even misdemeanors can have serious consequences that require legal representation.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against burglary charges?
Defense strategies for burglary in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Va. Code § 18.2-89 through § 18.2-93 to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
What should I do if I am facing burglary defense charges in Virginia?
If facing burglary defense charges in Virginia, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Contact an attorney immediately and do not discuss your case with anyone else.
For more information about criminal defense in Maryland, visit our Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland hub page. You may also find these pages useful: Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County, and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Baltimore County.
Last verified: May 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Maryland law and court procedures.