Criminal Law Practice Areas For Ocean City, MD
If you have recently been accused of any crime, it is imperative to seek the insight of an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney immediately.
Whether your charges involve misdemeanor allegations or felonies, you need someone who can help you fight back to protect your reputation and your freedom.
Without an attorney at your side, you may be exposed to mistakes in your case that could cost you your freedom. You need a lawyer who is thoroughly experienced in representing people who are accused of a broad range of different types of crimes.
Whether you are looking at allegations of DWI, DUI, drug possession or distribution, theft, gun crimes, or any other misdemeanor or felony charges, the right attorney can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case and additionally give you the peace of mind required to help you move forward.
Criminal Cases Are Unpredictable But The Law Is Not!
Since criminal cases can develop quickly, it is essential that you have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney at your side to help you navigate the criminal justice system and to empower you with as many opportunities and choices as possible. Without having a lawyer who is dedicated to the best possible outcome for you, you could be facing significant penalties.
Criminal Case Types In Ocean City, MD
DWI-DUI/Traffic Offenses: Ocean City, Maryland driving offenses include both DWI and DUI, your offense may fall under one of the latter if you have been accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you have been found to have an increase of an intoxicant or inebriant in your blood, you could be facing serious charges. When your body is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may have what is considered to be a diminished capacity, thereby, affecting your cognizance and driving ability, this can increase the probability of an accident with serious or even fatal injuries.
Did you know that some tests can be faulty, or that you have the right to speak to an attorney?
Misdemeanor Drug Charges: In the State of Maryland, drug charges usually fall under the Felony category, in the case of a Misdemeanor, you likely have been accused of being in possession of Marijuana. There has been a great deal of change to the Marijuana laws in Maryland.
- Do you have a medical Marijuana card?
- Did the officer charge you for possession anyway?
- Was your car or person searched based on the odor of Marijuana?
These are all important considerations in evaluating your case. Let me help you – don’t go at it alone!
Many people assume that they do not need a criminal defense attorney for misdemeanor charges, but in the case of a possession Misdemeanor Drug Charge, you could be facing up to a year in jail.
Felony Drug Charges: Outside of possessing Marijuana, if you have been accused of being in possession of any drugs, i.e, cocaine, heroin, meth, prescription drugs or others, you may be facing a Felony narcotics charges in the State of Maryland. You may be facing felony drug charges and jail time as well as substantial fines.
Theft Crimes: In the State of Maryland, Theft Crimes, may also be referred to as Larceny, the classification of Theft Crimes rely heavily on the value of the property, or in some cases, service. The theft charges are classified as follows:
- Petty Larceny
- Misdemeanor
- Felony theft charges.
On the low end, Petty Theft, which is likely to be shoplifting or a theft of under $100, supports facing a short jail sentence as well as a fine of up to $500.00. The Charges and sentencing increase in both penalties and sentencing, with Felony Theft of over $100,000.00 with a sentence of 20 years in prison and/or a possible fine. To better understand your charges and options, it is best to speak to a qualified criminal defense attorney.
Gun Crimes: In the State of Maryland you may only wear or carry a regulated firearm, which comes with the prerequisite of a handgun permit and often requires the completion of a course. You may not wear, carry or even transport a gun without a permit in Maryland. Even maintaining a permit would not bar you from facing a Gun Charge as there are restrictions in place as to where you may not carry and it would be considered a violation to do so. If you have previous criminal convictions you may be facing 5 years of mandatory prison time.
Unlicensed Firearms: Should you be charged with an unlicensed or unregistered firearm, you may be facing both penalties and or a jail sentence. The latter could be up to a ten-year prison sentence.
Depending on the offense number, the sentence may vary as in the case of a First Time offender the sentence may be lower, and if convicted can be anywhere from three-five years. The term and penalties depend on the level of the offense:
- Was the gun used as part of a greater crime?
- Was it a violent crime or any other offenses?
All of these elements are considered in determining the outcome. As always, it is best to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to better understand your rights and options.
Sex Crimes: Sex crimes, in every state in America, are considered very serious crimes. The accusation of which can destroy your family and career as well as follow you well into your future. Sex crimes vary in their classifications and may require a registration as a sex offender which can affect current or future employment or residence. The criminalization, penalties and sentencing vary depending on what are called, aggravating factors, like age, weapons, kidnapping, threatening, physical injury or harm and more.
Below are the criminal classifications as follows:
- First Degree Rape
- Second Degree Rape
- First Degree Sexual Offense
- Second Degree Sexual Offense
- Third Degree Sexual Offense
- Fourth Degree Sexual Offense
You can have a criminal record that follows you for years to come if you do not have a criminal defense lawyer working at your side from the moment you have been accused of a crime. For this reason, your lawyer should have a background in pursuing all possible positive outcomes for you. This may include:
- Plea bargains
- Reducing your charges down to lesser crimes
- Fighting for you in a trial and more.
You have many options depending on the specifics of your case, including Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act. A lawyer should be retained immediately to give you the best possible chance to develop a comprehensive criminal defense strategy that protects your future and your rights.
Get Help In Ocean City, MD Today!!
Call an experienced attorney who has worked in every court on the Eastern Shore, is a former Maryland Prosecutor and is prepared to fight for your rights today: 410-430-1464