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.

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