Caroline County Criminal Lawyer

For practicing criminal defense attorneys, it is easy to forget how clients perceive their pending criminal cases. Criminal defendants in Carolina County are charged with offenses that pit them against the state of Maryland. If found guilty, they are facing incarceration and other penalties. Being charged with a crime in criminal court is stressful, especially for those that are unfamiliar with the process.

Being investigated by the police, the inevitable shock of an arrest, and being booked in a Caroline County jail is overwhelming. Attempting to establish a criminal defense and fighting the criminal case can feel like kicking a brick wall. It is important to contact a Caroline County criminal lawyer for assistance to ensure that their rights are protected. An experienced criminal attorney a guide who can help them understand what to expect.

Marijuana Possession and Penalties

Possessing marijuana is illegal in Maryland, but possessing an amount that is typically for personal use has been decriminalized. Possessing 10 grams of marijuana or less is a civil offense that is punishable with a fine up to $100 on the first offense. Possessing up to 50 pounds of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense, so the penalties do not exceed one year in jail and $1,000 fine. Possessing more than 50 pounds of marijuana and/or possession with intent to sell are felony offenses, so the penalties are harsher. Although marijuana is a controlled substance, possession of other controlled substances is punished more aggressively than marijuana possession.

Weapon-Related Offenses

Firearms possession is a felony offense that has significant penalties when the individual has a prior felony. Prior felony convictions bar individuals from possessing or owning handguns and assault rifles. The initial offense is punishable with up to five years’ imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.  Maryland also prohibits possessing rifles and/or shotguns when the person has previously been convicted of a violent crime. The location of the conviction does not matter.

Transporting or carrying handguns in Maryland is not permissible, without regard to whether it is concealed or visible. Doing so is a misdemeanor offense. When there is a need to transport a firearm in Maryland, the individual must obtain a Maryland-issued carry permit to transport it, even if the equivalent has been issued by another state. The Constitution guarantees every criminal defendant the right to legal representation throughout the pendency of a criminal case, such that a Caroline County criminal lawyer can provide.

Benefit of a Lawyer

If the defendant is unable to afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent the criminal defendant at little to no cost. While an appointed attorney public defender will provide you the guaranteed right to counsel, there is no constitutional guarantee that they will be able to devote the amount of time to your case necessary to get you the best possible outcome. The criminal defendant’s attorney explains the charges that have been filed, their legal rights, and the available options in adjudicating the case.

Private attorneys are not obligated to take any case, which increases the chances that they will be overwhelmed by the volume of pending cases, as is common with public defenders. When an individual chooses a Caroline County criminal lawyer, they have control in selecting the attorney that they feel most comfortable with, which enhances the communication and often results in the person trusting the attorney more. If you or a loved one find yourself charged with any type of criminal offense in Caroline County, do not hesitate to contact a Caroline County criminal lawyer who can examine all aspects of your case and advise you of all your possible legal options.