Burglary in Maryland is a serious criminal offense under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-201 et seq., carrying penalties ranging from up to 5 years for fourth-degree burglary to up to 20 years for first-degree burglary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience across Maryland, including documented results in Baltimore County.
Burglary Defense Lawyer in Maryland
Burglary in Maryland is defined by statute as the breaking and entering of a dwelling, storehouse, or other structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. The Maryland Code, Criminal Law Article, Title 6, Subtitles 2 through 5, outlines four degrees of burglary. First-degree burglary (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-202) involves breaking into a dwelling with intent to commit a felony or theft. Second-degree burglary (§ 6-203) covers breaking into a storehouse. Third-degree (§ 6-204) and fourth-degree (§ 6-205) cover lesser structures and specific intents. A burglary defense lawyer Maryland can explain how these statutes apply to your specific situation.
Last verified: May 2026 | Maryland District & Circuit Courts | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
For the official text of Maryland burglary statutes, see Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-201 et seq. (Maryland General Assembly — official site).
For Maryland court procedures and forms, visit Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov — official site).
In Maryland District and Circuit Courts, prosecutors routinely file burglary charges based on limited evidence. We have observed that many cases hinge on witness identification or circumstantial evidence. Early intervention by a burglary defense lawyer Maryland can make a significant difference.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all evidence, including text messages, emails, and surveillance footage.
- Contact a burglary defense lawyer Maryland immediately.
- Attend all scheduled court appearances in Maryland District or Circuit Court.
- Review the discovery materials with your lawyer to identify weaknesses.
- Consider all defense options, including suppression motions and plea negotiations.
In Maryland, burglary carries penalties ranging from up to 5 years for fourth-degree to up to 20 years for first-degree, depending on the structure and intent.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Burglary (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-202) | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $25,000 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights, difficulty finding employment |
| Second-Degree Burglary (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-203) | Felony | Up to 15 years | Up to $15,000 | None directly | Permanent criminal record, loss of voting rights |
| Third-Degree Burglary (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-204) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $10,000 | None directly | Permanent criminal record |
| Fourth-Degree Burglary (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-205) | Misdemeanor | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | None directly | Permanent criminal record |
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%. Our team includes Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, who brings firsthand prosecutorial knowledge to your burglary defense. Advocacy Without Borders is our commitment to providing aggressive representation across state lines.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Maryland, including documented results in Baltimore County. Firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, we have 4,739+ documented results with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville is approximately 30 miles from the Maryland District and Circuit Courts in Baltimore, with access via I-270 and I-495.
Burglary defense lawyer near Maryland.
Serving the communities of Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Potomac, Bowie, College Park, Upper Marlboro, Columbia, Annapolis, Frederick, Towson, Baltimore, Waldorf, and all Maryland counties.
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
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burglary Defense in Maryland
What is the legal definition of burglary in Maryland?
Burglary in Maryland is defined under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-201 et seq. as breaking and entering a dwelling or other structure with the intent to commit a crime therein. The specific degree and penalties depend on the type of structure and circumstances of the offense. A burglary defense lawyer Maryland can explain how these statutes apply to your case in Maryland District or Circuit Court.
What are the penalties for a burglary conviction in Maryland?
Penalties for burglary in Maryland vary by degree. First-degree burglary (Md. Code, Crim. Law § 6-202) is a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. Second-degree burglary (§ 6-203) carries up to 15 years. Third-degree (§ 6-204) and fourth-degree (§ 6-205) carry up to 10 and 5 years respectively. Fines may also apply. Results may vary.
Can a breaking and entering charge be reduced in Maryland?
Yes, a breaking and entering charge in Maryland may be reduced through negotiation with the State’s Attorney’s Office. Factors such as lack of prior record, minimal property damage, or absence of intent to commit a felony can lead to a reduction to a lesser charge like trespassing or fourth-degree burglary. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Maryland can advise on the experienced strategy.
Do I need a burglary defense lawyer in Maryland?
Yes. A burglary charge in Maryland carries serious consequences including potential prison time and a permanent criminal record. A burglary charge defense lawyer Maryland can evaluate the evidence, challenge unlawful searches, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a defense strategy case-specific to your case in Maryland District or Circuit Court.
What should I do if I am facing burglary charges in Maryland?
If facing burglary charges in Maryland, contact a burglary defense lawyer Maryland 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 Maryland law require prompt action. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
Related Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland — State hub page
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County — Sibling locality page
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — Sibling locality page
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Maryland — Cross-practice area page
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Last updated: 2026-05-01