Keeping a Disorderly House Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland
Defense of Criminal Law § 10-202 Charges in Towson, Essex, and Catonsville
Keeping a disorderly house is a misdemeanor under Maryland Criminal Law § 10-202. The statute sets a floor and a ceiling. On conviction, the court may impose not less than 10 days and not more than 6 months, a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $300, or both. As a result, the maximum penalty is 6 months in jail and a $300 fine.
In addition, the charge is not the same as disorderly conduct under § 10-201. Disorderly conduct targets a person’s conduct in a public place. Keeping a disorderly house targets the person who keeps a place that disturbs the neighborhood. For that reason, the State must prove more than a loud night. The State must prove that the person kept the place, and that the place was a disorderly house.
At Shepard Law in Towson, principal attorney Stephen P. Shepard provides client-centered and compassionate criminal defense representation to individuals facing disorderly-house charges throughout Baltimore County. With more than a decade of dedicated service defending clients in Towson, Essex, Catonsville, and surrounding communities, our firm focuses on understanding your unique circumstances and protecting your future with thoughtful, personalized advocacy.
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These citations often follow a neighbor complaint, a party, or a series of calls to the same address. However, one call is not the same as keeping a disorderly house.
Call Shepard Law at (410) 648-4008 or complete our secure online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We also offer jail visits for a fee when needed. Attorney Stephen P. Shepard is prepared to listen carefully to your story, explain your rights, and provide the client-centered and compassionate representation you deserve.
What the State Has to Prove
Section 10-202 does not define “disorderly house” in the text. Maryland treats the phrase as the common-law offense: a place kept in a way that disturbs the public peace of the neighborhood. Therefore, the State must prove two things.
- The person kept the place. Ownership alone is not enough. The State must tie the person to control of the property and to the condition that made it disorderly.
- The place was a disorderly house. A single argument, one loud night, or a guest the resident did not invite does not, by itself, meet that standard. The disturbance has to be tied to the way the place was kept.
In short, the charge is about the place and the person who kept it. It is not a substitute for charging every guest with disorderly conduct.
Where the Case Is Heard
District Court sets the first date. That court sits in Towson, Essex, and Catonsville. The citation shows which location was assigned. If the defendant prays a jury trial, the case moves to the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. That court sits only in Towson. As a result, the first courthouse and the trial courthouse are not always the same.
Why Choose Shepard Law for a Disorderly House Charge in Baltimore County
Stephen P. Shepard is a respected Baltimore County criminal defense attorney recognized by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star,” Avvo with a 10.0 “Superb” rating, Martindale-Hubbell as a “Client Champion Platinum,” and The National Trial Lawyers as a “Top 40 Under 40.” He is an active member of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and regularly appears in Baltimore County courts.
Our Towson office, located at 303 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson, MD 21204, serves clients across Baltimore County. At Shepard Law, you receive client-centered and compassionate representation focused on your individual needs and long-term well-being.
Take the Next Step – Contact a Disorderly House Lawyer in Towson Today
Call Shepard Law at (410) 648-4008 or complete our secure online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We also offer jail visits for a fee when needed. Related public-order charges are covered on our crimes against the public page and our disorderly conduct page. Attorney Stephen P. Shepard is prepared to listen carefully to your story and provide the client-centered and compassionate representation you deserve on a disorderly-house charge anywhere in Baltimore County.