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Criminal Defense Attorney in Rockville, Maryland

The Maryland criminal defense attorneys at the Gardner Law Firm know that being convicted of criminal defense in the state of Maryland is a serious matter that can have far-reaching consequences. Not only could you be looking at a hefty monetary fine and potential jail time but also the stigma that is associated with having a criminal record. Even if you avoid jail time, it may become harder to get a job or promotion, secure a bank loan, or travel abroad. In most cases, you will also be prevented from purchasing a firearm and convicted felons will lose their voting rights. Because of these serious and life-altering consequences, if you are arrested and charged with a criminal offense, you need to exercise your right to remain silent and call the knowledgeable and experienced Maryland criminal defense attorneys at the Gardner Law Firm.

Charged With a Crime?

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There are many different crimes that you may be charged with that require a Maryland criminal defense attorney. The following are the crimes that we see every day and their definitions. Our firm has a history of successfully getting charges such as these thrown out, getting them reduced or attaining a successful outcome in court.

Maryland Crimes:

Assault – An individual makes or attempts to make physical contact with another, or frightens another person intentionally.

Burglary – A person breaks and enters a building with the intent to commit a crime.

Robbery – The use of force or threat of force to obtain something from another person.

Drug crimes – Control over a prohibited substance such as, but not limited to heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD and Methamphetamine

Domestic violence – The occurrence of an assault, rape or attempted rape, or sexual offense on or between family and household members that cause serious bodily harm.

Driving under the influence (DUI) – Operating a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater

Fraud and financial crimes – Issuing a check whilst knowing there are insufficient funds

Gun charges – Unlawfully carrying a handgun in public or on or near a gun-free zone such as a school

Sex crimes – Rape and other sexual offenses

Shoplifting – There are many variations of shoplifting such as removing the merchandise from a store, changing the price tag, disarming alarm tags, etc.

Traffic-related violations – Common traffic violations include speeding and reckless driving

Each of the crimes above carries its own set of minimum and maximum penalties.

Maryland Criminal Penalties:

Assault

  • Misdemeanor assault in the second degree up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500 or both

  • Felony, up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

Burglary

  • First degree, up to 20 years in prison

  • Second degree, up to 15 years in prison

  • Third degree, up to 10 years in prison

  • Fourth degree, up to three years in prison

Drug Crimes

  • Felony drug charge for certain drugs, up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. These drugs include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD and Methamphetamine.

  • Other drugs, up to five years in prison and fines up to $15,000

Domestic Violence, Violate Protective Order

  • First offense is a misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000

  • Second and subsequent offenses, one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

  • First offense: One year in prison and/or a $1000 fine

  • Second offense: Two years in prison and/or a $2000 fine

  • Third and subsequent offense: Three years in prison and/or $3000 fine

Fraud

  • Identity fraud

  • Credit fraud

Financial Crimes, Check Fraud

  • Misdemeanor 1, check fraud up to $100, fine and up to 90 days in prison

  • Misdemeanor 2, check fraud from $101-$500, up to 18 months in jail

  • Felony check fraud over $500, up to 15 years in prison, up to a $1000 fine

Gun Charges

Unlawfully carrying a handgun:

  • First offense, minimum 30 days to a maximum three years in jail

  • Second offense, minimum one year to 10 years maximum sentence

  • Third and subsequent offenses, minimum three years to 10 years maximum jail

The minimum penalties are tripled if on school property.

Sex Crimes

First-degree rape – Maximum penalty of life in prison. For a child under 16 or including kidnapping, add life without parole.

Second-degree rape – Maximum penalty of 20 years in prison

Sexual Offense

  • First degree, life imprisonment

  • Second degree, a maximum of 20 years in prison

  • Third degree, a felony, 10 years maximum in prison

  • Fourth degree, a misdemeanor, a maximum of 1 year in prison, a fine of up to $1,000