Baltimore Felony Crimes Lawyer

Former Prosecutor. 40+ Years of Criminal Defense. 22,000+ Clients Represented.

Felony charges are among the most serious offenses prosecuted in Maryland. Unlike many states that classify crimes by the length of incarceration they carry, Maryland defines felonies and misdemeanors by statute. A felony is any crime Maryland law specifically designates as such, often carrying severe penalties and lasting consequences.

At T. Wray McCurdy, P.A., we bring more than 40 years of courtroom experience to every felony case. Our team includes a former Assistant State’s Attorney for Baltimore County who understands firsthand how the prosecution constructs felony cases and, critically, where those cases can be challenged. That prosecution-side perspective, combined with our firm’s role in handling the first federal sentencing guidelines case in the District of Maryland, shapes how we approach every matter we take on.

A felony conviction can mean years behind bars, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record that limits job opportunities, housing options, and civil rights. Having a seasoned defense attorney in your corner can make a meaningful difference in how your case unfolds.

If you’re accused of a felony in Baltimore, contact T. Wray McCurdy, P.A. today at (410) 834-8466 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Common Felony Charges We Handle

Felony charges in Maryland cover a wide range of serious offenses, each carrying its own penalties and long-term consequences.

Common examples include:

• Murder (first or second degree, or felony murder) – Punishable by life imprisonment, with or without the possibility of parole.
• Manslaughter – A felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
• Vehicular manslaughter – Punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
• Sex crimes – Including rape, sexual assault, or child sexual abuse, with penalties up to life in prison and mandatory minimums of 25 years or more in certain aggravated circumstances.
• Carjacking – Up to 30 years in prison.
• Theft, burglary, and robbery – Penalties vary by offense. Robbery carries up to 15 years in prison (§ 3-402). First-degree burglary is punishable by up to 20 years (§ 6-202), and theft penalties depend on the value of the property under § 7-104, with harsher punishment for higher-value amounts.
• Aggravated assault – Up to 25 years in prison.
• Drug distribution or manufacturing – Penalties depend on the drug type and quantity, often involving lengthy sentences.
• Arson – Up to 30 years in prison.
• Kidnapping – Up to 30 years in prison.
• Mayhem and other violent crimes – Penalties vary by statute.

Felony arrests in the Baltimore area are handled by either the Circuit Court for Baltimore City or the Baltimore County Circuit Court, depending on where the alleged offense occurred. We walk clients through each step, from understanding the specific statute cited to assessing potential penalties and available defenses under Maryland law.

Felony convictions can also carry collateral consequences that extend well beyond sentencing. Noncitizens may face immigration consequences, and nearly all convicted felons lose their firearm rights. Professional licenses in healthcare, education, and real estate can be revoked or denied, and employers, landlords, and licensing boards routinely surface felony records on background checks.

How Felony Cases Move Through the Baltimore Court System

How Baltimore’s courts process felony cases isn’t just procedural background. It directly shapes defense strategy. Cases in Baltimore City and Baltimore County follow distinct tracks, and knowing where your case sits in that structure affects everything from bail conditions to trial timing.

Every felony case begins with arrest and booking, followed by an initial appearance or bail hearing before a judge or commissioner. Judges weigh criminal history, community ties, and employment when setting bail conditions. From there, the case proceeds through a defined sequence of stages.

The standard felony case stages are:

• Preliminary hearing – Determines whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.
• Indictment or information filing – Serious charges may be presented to a grand jury for indictment.
• Pre-trial motions – Defense counsel can challenge evidence, request dismissals, or negotiate with prosecutors.
• Trial – Conducted before a judge or jury, depending on the case.
• Sentencing – If convicted, penalties follow Maryland’s statutory sentencing guidelines.

Circuit Court for Baltimore City: Case Tracks

Felony cases in Baltimore City are processed through the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, which operates a dedicated Felony Reception Court presided over by the Judge in Charge of Criminal. This court handles guilty pleas, postponement requests, and assignments to trial judges. The arraignment is a critical stage where trial dates are set and case resolution discussions begin. Counsel who has entered an appearance must attend.

The Circuit Court for Baltimore City assigns felony cases to one of four differentiated case tracks, each designed to match disposition goals to case complexity:

The four tracks are:

• Track A – Jury Trial Prayer: 90-day disposition goal for cases in which a jury trial has been requested.
• Track B – Non-Violent Felonies: 120-day disposition goal for non-violent offenses.
• Track C – Violent Crimes: Trial date set within 90 to 105 days for violent felony charges.
• Track D – Complex Cases: 180-day goal for homicide cases, matters involving multiple victims, or cases with multiple defendants.

Baltimore County Circuit Court Jurisdiction

Major felony cases in Baltimore County are handled by the Baltimore County Circuit Court. The district court handles misdemeanors and limited felony matters only. Our familiarity with both jurisdictions, their judges, scheduling practices, and local procedures can help prevent delays and position our clients effectively at every stage.

Building a Strategic Defense for Felony Charges

Every felony case requires a defense tailored to the facts, the evidence, and the specific court handling the matter. We start by reviewing police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.

Our defense strategy often involves:

• Challenging unlawful searches or seizures under the Fourth Amendment and Article 26 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights
• Investigating procedural errors or due process violations
• Seeking suppression of unreliable evidence or coerced statements
• Exploring plea negotiations or diversion programs when appropriate
• Preparing thoroughly for trial with clear, evidence-based arguments

Having a former Assistant State’s Attorney on our team gives us direct insight into how the state constructs felony cases and exactly where those constructions are most vulnerable. We also track ongoing changes in Maryland’s criminal laws, particularly regarding sentencing reform, digital evidence, and controlled substance statutes, so our defense approach stays current with the law as it actually applies.

Why Baltimore Felony Clients Choose T. Wray McCurdy, P.A.

Our firm holds an AV-Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell. It is the highest peer-review designation available and reflects recognized legal ability and ethical standards across four decades of practice. Wray McCurdy has personally represented more than 22,000 individuals, and our firm handled the first federal sentencing guidelines case in the District of Maryland. These aren’t marketing claims. They’re the record that informs how we approach your defense.

We’ve represented clients in felony trials across both the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and the Baltimore County Circuit Court. Our approach is direct, honest, and rooted in preparation. We don’t overpromise outcomes. We build the strongest defense the facts and law support, and we keep clients informed through every hearing, filing, and decision. Our reputation rests on client referrals, which reflects the trust clients place in us long after their cases close.

Your rights, reputation, and future are worth protecting. Call (410) 834-8466 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Felony Case Usually Take in Baltimore?

Timeline depends on the charge type, which court track the case is assigned to, the complexity of the evidence, and current docket scheduling. Most felony cases take several months or longer, working through preliminary hearings, discovery, and pre-trial motions. Cases assigned to Track D in Baltimore City, covering homicide and complex multi-defendant matters, carry a 180-day disposition goal.

Can a Felony Be Expunged in Maryland?

Some felony convictions may be eligible for expungement depending on the statute and how long ago the case closed. Many violent and sexual offenses aren’t eligible. You can review eligibility criteria on the Maryland Judiciary Expungement Guide at mdcourts.gov, or consult a defense attorney for case-specific guidance.

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Charged With a Felony?

Contact a defense attorney as soon as possible. Don’t discuss your case with police or anyone else without counsel present, and attend all scheduled court appearances. The decisions made in the earliest stages of a felony case, particularly around bail hearings and preliminary proceedings, can have a lasting effect on your defense options.