Maryland’s Criminal Defense Lawyer

Common criminal charges include the following:

• First Degree Assult
• Second Degree Assult
• Burglary and Robbery
• Drug Charges, CDS Possession
• Theft
• Prostitution
• Violation of Probation
• Weapons Charges
• Violent Crimes

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Misdemeanor: Crimes of a less serious nature which are generally punishable by payment of a fine, probation, community service, restitution, and the possibility of up to one year in prison.

Felony: These are serious crimes that are generally punishable by potential jail terms of at least one year to life in prison without parole or even death.

What are your rights?

Having an experienced Baltimore criminal defense lawyer on your side is important when you are charged with a crime. There are certain rights granted to you in the U.S. Constitution to protect you from being treated unfairly. Some of the basic rights you’re entitled to include:

• The right to an attorney
• The right to trial by a judge or a jury
• The right to be proven and found guilty beyond a reasonable
• doubt
• The right to face and cross-examine the witnesses against you
• The right to call your own witnesses
• The right to testify in your own defense
• The right to remain silent
• The right to a speedy and public trial
• The right to an appeal

What is the difference between first degree assault and second degree assault?

The difference between first degree assault and second degree assault is one of severity. First degree assault occurs where someone causes or attempts to cause “serious physical injury” to another. In Maryland, first degree assault is a felony that carries a maximum sentence of up to 25 years. Second degree assault just requires that someone causes or attempts to cause “offensive physical contact” to another. Second degree assault is a misdemeanor in Maryland and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

What happens at a bail review?

If the defendant has yet to be released, Maryland law dictates that the defendant will receive a bail review hearing before a District Court judge within 24 hours of seeing the commissioner. The judge can lower the bond, raise the bond, keep the bond the same, release the defendant on his own recognizance, etc.

• Nature and circumstances of the crime charged (e.g. a murder suspect is much less likely to receive any bail than a Marijuana suspect)
• Prior record
• Ties to the community (family, job, residency history, etc)
• Danger to victim
• Danger to him/herself
• Input from the State, Pre-trial investigator and, of course, your attorney