Burglary Defense Lawyer Howard County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Burglary in Maryland is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-202, carrying up to 20 years in prison. A burglary defense lawyer Howard County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides critical defense at the District Court of MD for Howard County. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
Maryland Burglary Law and Penalties
Maryland law defines burglary in the first degree as breaking and entering into a dwelling with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. This is a felony offense. A breaking and entering defense lawyer Howard County must understand the specific elements the State must prove: an unlawful breaking, an entry into a building (or dwelling for first-degree), and the intent to commit a crime inside at the time of entry. Defenses often challenge the evidence for one of these elements.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s burglary statutes, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 6-202 (official Maryland General Assembly). For local court procedures, visit the District Court of MD for Howard County website.
Howard County Court Process for Burglary Charges
In Howard County, burglary cases begin with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. Felony charges are then sent to the Howard County Circuit Court for a jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Howard County prosecutes these cases. An experienced burglary charge defense lawyer Howard County can intervene early to challenge probable cause at a preliminary hearing or negotiate for a reduction to a lesser offense like trespassing.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will see a commissioner at the District Court in Ellicott City for bail determination.
- Preliminary Hearing: For felonies, a hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause to proceed.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with prosecutors.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Burglary in Howard County
In Howard County, first-degree burglary is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, while second-degree burglary carries up to 10 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary 1st Degree | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $1,000 | Permanent felony record, difficulty finding employment/housing. |
| Burglary 2nd Degree | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $1,000 | Same as above, potential loss of professional licenses. |
| Breaking & Entering | Misdemeanor/Felony | Varies by value | Varies | Can be charged as a felony if intent is proven. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Burglary Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have a documented track record of favorable outcomes in serious felony cases. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its case, which is invaluable for constructing a strong defense against burglary charges.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
While specific results are confidential, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. In serious felony cases, favorable outcomes can include charges being reduced, dismissed, or resulting in acquittals. For instance, our team has successfully argued for reductions from felony burglary to misdemeanor trespassing in appropriate cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, collaborating with Of Counsel attorneys like Kristen Fisher to build the strongest possible defense.
Contact Our Howard County Burglary Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland office serves clients in Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel. We are accessible via I-95, Route 29, and Route 32.
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: Burglary Defense in Howard County
What is the difference between burglary and breaking and entering in Maryland?
Yes, there is a key difference. Burglary requires proof of intent to commit a crime inside the building at the time of entry. Breaking and entering can be charged without proving that specific intent, making it a generally lesser offense. A burglary defense lawyer Howard County can argue the State lacks evidence of your intent.
Can a burglary charge be reduced in Howard County?
It depends on the evidence and your history. Prosecutors may agree to reduce a felony burglary charge to a misdemeanor like trespassing or malicious destruction of property in exchange for a guilty plea, especially for first-time offenders or if the evidence of intent is weak. An attorney negotiates this.
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a burglary charge?
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. PBJ is theoretically available for many offenses but is less common for serious felonies like first-degree burglary. A skilled breaking and entering defense lawyer Howard County can advocate for this outcome when circumstances allow.
Do I need a lawyer for a burglary charge in Howard County?
Yes. Burglary is a felony with severe penalties. A burglary charge defense lawyer Howard County is essential to protect your rights, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you at trial. The public defender is available if you qualify, but a private attorney can provide more individualized attention.
What happens after an arrest for burglary in Howard County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Misdemeanor breaking and entering cases are tried in District Court. Felony burglary charges go to Howard County Circuit Court for a jury trial.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing burglary charges, you may also want to learn about Maryland criminal defense. For representation in nearby areas, see our pages for Montgomery County criminal defense and Prince George’s County criminal defense. For other legal needs in Howard County, consider a Howard County DUI lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.