If you’ve been charged with a crime, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. Being arrested and charged with any sort of crime can be traumatizing, with consequences that loom large and threaten to upend your entire life.
Working with an experienced legal professional could make the process manageable. A Frederick County criminal defense lawyer could advocate for your rights and guide you throughout the entire legal process, from pre-trial to court proceedings.
Types of Criminal Defense Cases
Criminal law covers a broad range of legal matters. Common types of criminal charges in Frederick County include:
Traffic Violations
Not every traffic violation is a criminal issue, but some traffic offenses can be more serious. If this is the case, a lawyer’s services could be required.
Firearms Charges
Since Maryland has such strict gun possession laws, it can be easy to make a mistake and even unintentionally break a law. A criminal defense lawyer is the best solution for charges related to firearms.
Assault
Assault charges can range from simple assault—which is the voluntary and purposeful use of violence in an attempt to cause injury to another person while having the ability to do so, to aggravated assault—which is the knowing or purposeful infliction of serious bodily injury on another individual.
Theft
In Maryland, theft is categorized by the value of the stolen property:
- Less than $100: A misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of $500
- $100 to $1,500: A misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of $500
- Over $1,500 but less than $25,000: A felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000
- $25,000 to $100,000: A felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $15,000
- Over $100,000: A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000
Fraud
Fraud can be a scheme to obtain someone else’s property or money. Depending on the level of involvement, this sentence can involve jail time of up to 10 years and a fine of twice the property involved in the case.
Criminal defense can be tricky, depending on the charges and the defendant’s history with the court. A seasoned Frederick County criminal defense attorney could examine the facts of a specific case and develop an appropriate defense strategy.
Ways a Criminal Defense Lawyer Could Help You
No matter what charges you are facing, working with a well-practiced criminal defense lawyer in Frederick County is the best course of action. A local attorney could help in many ways. They could gather evidence— including witness statements, police reports, traffic camera footage, and bills—to better review the facts of the case and formulate the best path forward.
Additionally, a proactive legal professional could act as an advocate for you. Legal proceedings can be overwhelming and stressful, as can the numerous court appointments and associated phone calls. A dedicated lawyer could help manage the schedule related to the case, keeping you informed and ensuring no deadlines are missed. It is hard to know what might come next in a criminal defense case. A knowledgeable attorney could help remove much of the guesswork.
Speak With a Frederick County Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The legal system in Maryland can be complex, but with the right legal representation, you could feel supported and encouraged. Take the first step toward working with the Frederick County criminal defense lawyer you deserve.
Contact Prince Benowitz today to learn more about how we could help during a free case evaluation.
