Ellicott City Criminal lawyer
The range of crimes that are classified as criminal charges in Maryland is very broad. Whether the charge you face is a misdemeanor or felony, a criminal conviction is a serious matter. The more serious the crime, the more serious the consequence, and penalties can include anything from hefty fines to long-term incarceration, depending on the offense. Whether you are facing a seemingly routine traffic violation, or a major felony, such as grand larceny, having an experienced Ellicott City criminal lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Solid legal representation can often mean the difference between a conviction and a clean record, or jail time and freedom. An experienced Ellicott City criminal defense attorney can help protect you in court.
Types of Criminal Charges
Crimes classified as criminal constitute numerous offenses, too extensive to provide a comprehensive list. A short list is provided here that outlines several common types of criminal charges. Many items on the list may encompass an array of charges. For example, a gun charge could include anything from unauthorized possession to illegal discharge of a dangerous weapon. Regardless of the offense you face, an Ellicott City criminal lawyer can help you fight a criminal charge.
Criminal Charges include:
Assault
Assault includes intentional physical contact against another person without the person’s consent. However, it is important to understand that actual physical contact is not necessary to substantiate an assault charge. Even the threat of intentional physical damage is enough to elicit a charge. In most cases, assault charges arise from a dispute or altercation. The version of events given by the parties involved describing what happened in an alleged assault often vary greatly, and sometimes the person arrested may not have been the instigator and was merely acting in self-defense. Depending on the circumstances of the assault, it may be classified as a specific class of offense. Assault on a police officer and domestic violence, are two examples of specific assault charges, for instance. An Ellicott City criminal lawyer can help you understand the nature of the charges you face.
Sex Crimes
Sex-crime charges in Maryland are taken extremely seriously by the state. A conviction even of a misdemeanor sex offense can result in mandatory registration as a sex offender. In more serious cases, you may be required to be a registered sex offender for life. The Maryland Criminal Code Subtitle 3 of Title 3 outlines sex- crimes. Under Maryland law, this statute covers almost every sex-crime. This category of offense is treated differently than crimes related to prostitution and solicitation. The punishments associated with each can range from one year in jail, all the way to life in prison, in addition to fines. Our Ellicott City law firm has attorneys that specialize in this area of law.
Theft
Codified from common law, Maryland Criminal Law statute Title 7 outlines crimes related to theft and determine whether an offense will qualify as grand larceny or petit larceny. Basically, if the stolen item is valued above $1000 it is a felony, and if it is valued below $1000 it is a misdemeanor. Thus, the difference between major and minor offenses can be a fine line, and the penalties associated with each vary accordingly. This underscores the importance of having an experienced Maryland defense attorney on your case when facing such charges, as penalties can be severe. If convicted you could be fined up to $25,000.00, or sentenced to 25 years in prison. Don’t try to deal with a theft charge on your own. Consult a criminal defense attorney in Howard County before facing your Ellicott City criminal charges.
DUI /DWI
DUI and DWI can be serious offenses. In Maryland, a DUI conviction can mean automatic driver’s license suspension. Depending on the details of the case, if convicted you could be facing jail time, the suspension and/or loss of your license, and significant fines. In Maryland, your blood alcohol content determines whether you will be charged with a DWI or a DUI. A blood alcohol content that is .08 or higher is classified as a DUI, and a blood alcohol that is between .06 and .07, is classified as a DWI. The penalties for each of these crimes are different. A DUI conviction carries greater penalties than a conviction for DWI. In either case, it is important to consult with a Maryland defense lawyer to help fight for your driving privileges.
Hire An Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer
If not properly handled by an experienced Ellicott City criminal defense attorney, the charges you are facing could result in severe penalties. Whether you have been arrested for drunk driving or charged with assault, you need a well-qualified attorney on your side to protect your rights. Our criminal lawyers can aggressively defend you regardless of the charge you face. We represent people facing the full range of criminal offenses, and we can defend you against one or multiple charges. Our approach to defending you is active, as and we believe solid advocacy is an important advantage for our clients. Our criminal defense attorneys are able to communicate clearly with you about your case and how to build a strong defense. Contact one of our Ellicott City law criminal lawyers today to schedule a consultation.