OCEAN CITY, MD CRIMINAL DEFENSE
AGGRESSIVE CRIMINAL DEFENSE IN OCEAN CITY
If you or a loved one are under investigation for suspected criminal involvement, or have been arrested and/or charged in Ocean City, MD, or anywhere on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, reach out to Richard Brueckner today to arrange a complimentary initial consultation. The clock is ticking. Currently, law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office are amassing evidence against you. You require a resilient, assertive criminal defense attorney who can promptly commence building a robust defense.
CALl RICHARD BRUECKNER
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 410-430-1464
When you retain Mr. Brueckner, you can expect him to deliver on the following:
- Making sure the police respect your rights as they gather evidence, make an arrest, and question you.
- Reviewing the police report and investigating the timeline of events leading up to your arrest, paying close attention to whether law enforcement breached protocol or violated your constitutional rights in any way.
- Identifying faults or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case which can be exploited to create reasonable doubt and used as leverage to dismiss your case or negotiate a plea deal.
- Minimizing adverse consequences by suggesting alternative sentencing in lieu of incarceration and other harsh punishment
PRACTICE AREAS AND OCEAN CITY, MD CRIMINAL CHARGES
The Law Office of Richard Brueckner defends against a variety of misdemeanor and felony crimes in both state and federal courts. Criminal offenses that we help with are listed in the Maryland Criminal Code and divided into the following categories:
- Assault
- Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Violation of Protective Orders
- Trespassing
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Theft
- Fraud
- Forgery
- Uttering
- Embezzlement
- Arson
- Criminal Mischief
- Reckless Endangerment
- Disorderly Conduct
- Disturbing the Peace
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution
- Possession of Controlled Substances
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Drug Trafficking
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Homicide
- Kidnapping
- Sexual Assault and more.
Ocean City, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
Navigating complex legal issues calls for an exceptional Ocean City Criminal Attorney who can act swiftly to safeguard your rights and work relentlessly for a favorable result. Whether you’re contending with criminal accusations, advocating for sentencing reduction under the Justice Reinvestment Act for drug-related offenses, or initiating estate planning, Attorney Richard Brueckner is the advocate you need. With over ten years of delivering reliable and outcome-focused representation, Criminal Attorney Richard Brueckner serves clients in Ocean City, MD, and across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“For the average person, dealing with any legal issue can be stressful and overwhelming. My job as your lawyer is to advise you about the best way to proceed based on my knowledge and experience. I will listen to your concerns and fears and work with you to find a customized solution that fits your needs. You can expect to be treated with the utmost dignity, professionalism, and respect and be kept informed about the status of your case as it unfolds.”
CRIMINAL DEFENSE IN OCEAN CITY, MD: Accusations of a crime can upend your life in a heartbeat. With the severity of legal penalties, charges against you may put your freedom, reputation, and future at risk. Attorney Richard Brueckner is ready to step up immediately, providing vigorous defense and representation throughout the criminal process. Leveraging his experience as a former prosecutor, Mr. Brueckner has a proven record of success, with more than 80 jury trial victories and favorable outcomes in thousands of cases spanning drug charges, DUI offenses, weapons charges, and beyond. His comprehensive understanding of defense strategies, coupled with his substantial resources, insights, and rapport with local prosecutors, judges, and court personnel, makes him instrumental in seeking dismissal of charges or sentence reduction.
JUSTICE REINVESTMENT ACT IN OCEAN CITY, MD: In April 2016, the Maryland General Assembly passed a landmark law known as the Justice Reinvestment Act. This legislation’s goal is to decrease extended imprisonment for drug-related crimes, with the saved resources redirected towards alternative treatment options. The reforms encompass the abolition of mandatory minimum sentences for most drug offenses, reduced penalties for drug possession, and the provision for existing offenders to seek re-sentencing.
PENALTIES FOR OCEAN CITY, MD CRIMES
A criminal conviction can have a life-altering effect on every aspect of your life. Here are just a few of the potential consequences you may face:
- Jail or prison sentence
- Home Detention
- Pay fines and court costs
- Probation or parole
- Participation in programs established by the State Department of Corrections
- Required counseling for alcohol, drugs, and anger management
- A restraining order or order of protection
- Suspension or revocation of driver’s license
- A criminal record, which can impact employment, student loan opportunities, and eligibility for federal benefits.
AGGRAVATING FACTORS THAT CAN ENHANCE PUNISHMENT
There are certain factors that can elevate a misdemeanor to a felony or justify a stiffer punishment, some of which may include:
- an existing criminal record
- the use or possession of a weapon
- the use of physical contact or violence
- the commission of a crime against (or in the presence of) a child
KNOW YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
- You have the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to say anything to law enforcement officers at any time during your arrest or subsequent questioning.
- You have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion and probable cause to believe a crime was committed before they search you, your vehicle, or your home.
- You have the right to reasonable bail. No judge can set a bail that does not fit the crime for which you have been arrested.
- You have the right to due process or a fair and impartial trial by jury.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE IN OCEAN CITY, MD: Accusations of a crime can upend your life in a heartbeat. With the severity of legal penalties, charges against you may put your freedom, reputation, and future at risk. Attorney Richard Brueckner is ready to step up immediately, providing vigorous defense and representation throughout the criminal process. Leveraging his experience as a former prosecutor, Mr. Brueckner has a proven record of success, with more than 80 jury trial victories and favorable outcomes in thousands of cases spanning drug charges, DUI offenses, weapons charges, and beyond. His comprehensive understanding of defense strategies, coupled with his substantial resources, insights, and rapport with local prosecutors, judges, and court personnel, makes him instrumental in seeking dismissal of charges or sentence reduction.
FELONIES IN CIRCUIT COURT
The most serious felony cases are heard by the Circuit Court located in Snow Hill, the county seat for Worcester County. Felonies carry harsh penalties including prison time, fines, and the loss of several civil rights such as the right to vote, join the armed forces, or hold public office.
Examples of felonies include:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Fraud
- Robbery, armed robbery, and carjacking
- Sexual assault
- Drug possession with intent to sell
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER AN ARREST IN OCEAN CITY, MD?
Ocean City, MD Arrest: If Ocean City, MD law enforcement has reasonable suspicion to believe you committed crime, they can either issue a criminal citation ordering you to appear at a preliminary inquiry or pre-trial hearing at a future date or physically arrest you and take you into custody. If arrested, you will be transported to the Ocean City, MD police department located in the Public Safety Building on 65th Street. There, you will be booked and processed, have your picture taken and be fingerprinted. The police may ask you questions about the alleged crime. It is important to invoke your right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely tell the officer that you do not wish to answer any questions until you have a lawyer present. It is best to speak to a MD Criminal Defense lawyer immediately.
Ocean City, MD Criminal Booking Process:
Once the booking process is completed, the police will bring you before a district court commissioner who will determine if probable cause exists to charge you. The commissioner will also decide whether you should be released on your own recognizance or need to post bail. If the commissioner sets a bail/bond, then you have the option of posting that bail/bond at that time. If you cannot afford bail, you will be transported to the local detention center to await a bail review hearing. Bail review hearings usually take place the day after an arrest, unless you were arrested on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday in which case the hearing will occur the following Monday. A Criminal Lawyer can help you get through this process early on in order to get the best possible outcome.
Ocean City, MD Bail Hearing: Criminal defense attorney Richard Brueckner can represent you at this bail hearing and can argue why bail should be lowered or eliminated. The judge will consider a variety of factors before making a decision including the seriousness of the alleged crime, your ties with the community, any prior criminal history, and whether you are considered a threat or flight risk. Criminal cases vary in penalties and punishment.
Ocean City, MD Criminal Charges: If you are charged with a felony, you have the right to request a preliminary hearing within 10 days of your first hearing with the commissioner. This hearing will be held in the District Court to determine if probable cause exists to charge you with the crime you’ve been accused of and move your case forward to the Circuit Court. At the preliminary hearing, the State will present the evidence against you as well as any witnesses. Attorney Brueckner will have the opportunity during this hearing to cross-examine the evidence and witnesses.
Ocean City, MD DUI & DWI Attorney
FACING DRUNK DRIVING CHARGES IN OCEAN CITY, MD?
Drunk driving is one of the most common crimes committed on the Maryland Eastern Shore. The party atmosphere in Ocean City, MD, especially during the summer months contributes to the high incidence of these DUI/DWI arrests. Whether you are a local or a tourist, it’s important to have an Ocean City, MD criminal defense lawyer represent you when fighting drunk driving charges.
If you reside outside of Maryland and failed to appear in court, chances are there is an active warrant out for your arrest in the state where you currently live. Your local law enforcement has the authority to arrest you and hold you on bail or extradite you back to Ocean City, MD. Attorney Richard J. Brueckner will make an effort to have the warrant against you re-called and get your case set for trial. If, however, a judge will not recall the warrant, Mr. Brueckner can make arrangements for you to get in touch with an Ocean City, MD bail bondsman so that you can come back, turn yourself in, and post bail.
A DUI/DWI case in Ocean City, Maryland will trigger two separate proceedings — a criminal proceeding before the court where you will face possible jail time, probation, and fines, and an administrative hearing before the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) where you will face the potential suspension of your driver’s license, and the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DUI AND DWI IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
If you were drunk driving in Ocean City, Maryland, you will either be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI). The distinction between the two is really a matter of degree. A DUI is more serious than a DWI and is charged when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at a level of 0.08% or higher. A DWI is charged when you BAC is between 0.07 and 0.08 percent.
In order to prove that you were driving under the influence of alcohol, the state would have to show that alcohol had substantially impaired your normal coordination. They will attempt to do this by referencing your BAC results, performance on field sobriety tests, and your appearance (red eyes) and/or behavior (slurred speech) at the time of the arrest.
Your criminal hearing for Ocean City, MD DUI will most likely occur at One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
OCEAN CITY, MD DUI PENALTIES
- up to one year in jail
- 120-day license suspension
- $1000 fine
- 12 points on your Maryland license
OCEAN CITY, MD DWI PENALTIES
- up to 60 days in jail
- $500 fine
- 8 points on Maryland license
FIGHTING AN OCEAN CITY, MD DUI/DWI CHARGE
Even if you blew above the legal limit and feel as if the evidence against you is overwhelming, all may not be lost. Attorney Brueckner has many ways to attack DUI/DWI charges against you, one of which may prove to be a winning defense strategy in your case.
No Probable Cause to Arrest: A police officer can only arrest you if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a traffic violation has occurred or a crime has been committed. Attorney Brueckner will review the police report to make sure the officer had a valid reason to stop your vehicle.
Illegal Search: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police officer asks if they can conduct a search you have the right to refuse. The only way they can proceed with a search is if they have a search warrant or probable cause to believe a crime was committed. If your constitutional rights were violated, any evidence found would be inadmissible in court.
Field Sobriety Test Improperly Administered: a DUI lawyer will advise that field sobriety tests are designed to make you fail and are notoriously known for being scientifically unreliable. Some people can’t even stand on one leg sober! There are a variety of factors that can adversely impact your performance on these tests — a medical condition or injury, weather conditions, cracked pavement, etc. It’s also possible that the police officer did not properly administer these tests. Any deviation in the protocol can render the results inadmissible in court. We will review the police dashcam video if available to see if the officer acted in accordance with the rules set forth by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Observation Period Performed Incorrectly: Maryland requires cops to observe a driver for 20 minutes before administering a breath test. This is to make sure that any mouth alcohol has time to dissipate. Alcohol can get trapped in the mouth if you recently ate, have dentures, cavities, retainers, or were chewing gum or tobacco. If a police officer makes you blow into a machine without waiting 20 minutes and you have burped, hiccuped or vomited, we may be able to argue that mouth alcohol residue was still in your mouth and as a result, contaminated the breath sample.
Breathalyzer Improperly Administered: Breath test machines have very specific protocols which must be followed as a result to be valid. If an officer improperly administers or calibrated the machine, your BAC reading was more than likely affected.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY DRIVER’S LICENSE?
At the time of your DUI/DWI arrest, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended and the arresting officer will issue you a temporary license, called a DR-15A. This temporary license is only good for 45 days. To contest the suspension, you must request an administrative hearing with the Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days of your arrest. Attorney Richard Brueckner can represent you at the MVA hearing, which will take place at 65th Street and Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842.
When your future is on the line, you owe it to yourself to get the best defense possible of your case. You owe it to yourself to call criminal defense lawyer Richard Brueckner today!!
Serving Ocean City, Maryland, and The Eastern Shore.
I provide criminal defense legal representation to the residents of Ocean City, Maryland every day throughout the year. In addition, because Ocean City is a travel destination, I understand how easy it is to become involved in an incident that mutates into an arrestable offense or accusation of a crime. Each year visitors from all over the country and state, from Baltimore to Salisbury, from Jenkins and Annapolis to Wicomico County and all throughout the US, if you have been charged with a crime in Ocean City, I am here for you.