Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer 

When you or someone you love is arrested, you want to pursue the best possible outcome. Arrests do not mean a person is guilty, nor do guarantee that someone will automatically have to serve prison time.

With the help of a Montgomery County criminal lawyer, you can rest assured that you are exploring all possible legal options. In some cases, your attorney might be able to mitigate the charges you face, or even get them dismissed.

Leave nothing to chance in your high-stakes criminal case. Call an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible.

Misdemeanors and Felonies in Maryland

Crimes in Maryland are designated either as misdemeanors or felonies. Felonies are the more serious of the two, with higher fines and more severe jail time at stake. Examples of felonies include:

• Murder
• Robbery
• Sexual assault
• Fraud
• Drug possession with intent to distribute
• Theft over $1,000

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are less serious but sentences can still include fines and jail time of less than one year. Examples of misdemeanors include:

• DUI
• Theft under $1,000
• Minor drug possession
• Vandalism
• Second-degree assault

Regardless of the legal matter or area of the law, a MoCo criminal lawyer can offer guidance and advice on how to proceed.

Effects of a Criminal Conviction

Many people do not realize the far-reaching ramifications that a criminal conviction can have on their lives. Careers that people have spent their entire lives building can be ruined after a conviction. Bank loans for a home or a small business may now be out of the question, and renting an apartment may become a challenge.

Even a person’s ability to participate in their child’s school field trips and activities may be jeopardized. They may even become ineligible for student loans and certain kinds of welfare. From a social perspective, a criminal conviction can do irreparable damage to a person’s reputation. Some people with criminal backgrounds are ostracized by their friend groups and find it difficult to seek custody of their children.

Defense Strategies

The government is imperfect, especially when it comes to investigating crime and bringing people to justice. Many times, police officers violate the rights of those they are arresting, unfairly questioning them without spelling out their legal options. Other times, law enforcement may conduct interviews with witnesses that sway the conversation one way or another. Even evidence is sometimes unfairly and illegally collected by law enforcement and/or the prosecution.

A skilled criminal attorney in Montgomery County can review the interviews, evidence and arrest proceedings to determine if their client’s rights were violated. They will also check to ensure that all evidence and interviews were obtained in an ethical, legal manner. In many cases, this leads to evidence being stricken from the record, unable to be used against the client in the courtroom.

Consult with a Montgomery County Criminal Attorney Today

If you or someone you love has been arrested on criminal charges in Maryland, a Montgomery County criminal lawyer could help. From the moment that you suspect you are being investigated all the way up through sentencing, you will have an ally by your side who is knowledgeable and extensively experienced. There is no charge too great or too small to entrust in a skilled lawyer.

Time counts for a lot in criminal cases. The longer you wait to obtain legal representation, the more challenges you will face on your own. Do not hesitate: call a MoCo defense lawyer today to begin establishing your defense.