Whether this is the first time you have ever faced criminal accusations or you have been a defendant in criminal court, it is important that you take your situation seriously and act quickly to preserve your best interests. Even misdemeanor convictions in Maryland can lead to several years of incarceration, and felony offenses may result in a host of criminal and personal consequences both before and after you serve your sentence.
However, you may have trouble enforcing your rights without representation from a knowledgeable defense attorney. Retaining a Maryland Jewish criminal defense lawyer could make all the difference in how your case ultimately plays out and what chances you have of securing a positive resolution.
How State Courts Classify Criminal Offenses
The state of Maryland categorizes criminal acts into two categories, misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanor offenses are less severe charges that are usually non-violent, and felonies are more severe offenses that may involve alleged violent conduct. Certain offenses like possession of ten grams or less of marijuana and most traffic violations, are considered civil offenses rather than criminal ones, meaning they are only punishable by citations and minor fines.
The way that Maryland distinguishes between misdemeanors and felonies is somewhat unique. In most states, misdemeanors are punishable by no more than one year of jail time, and any offense punishable by more than a year of incarceration must be a felony. This is not the case in Maryland. Various misdemeanors like second-degree assault and child neglect may result in jail or prison sentences much longer than a year in length.
Furthermore, being convicted of the same criminal offense more than once allows for larger penalties and fines to be imposed by the court. A Maryland Jewish criminal defense attorney could clarify what sanctions may be possible in a particular case during a confidential consultation.
The Importance of Retaining Skilled Legal Counsel
Public defenders in the state of Maryland usually have to manage a high number of case at once. This can lead to a reduction in the quality of representation that they will be able to proved for you. On the other hand, private legal representation offers custom-tailored assistance to every defendant they represent and they can you the personalized attention you need to build and execute a strong defense strategy.
Once hired, a qualified Jewish criminal defense lawyer in Maryland could immediately take steps to protect your rights during questioning and investigation by law enforcement. They can collect and preserve exculpatory evidence, begin negotiating with the prosecution, and do much more. Depending on the circumstances, a dedicated legal professional may be able to secure a suspended sentence, alternatives to imprisonment, or a plea bargain on a defendant’s behalf.
Get in Touch With a Maryland Jewish Criminal Defense Attorney Today
The prospect of facing criminal prosecution can be unnerving and it can be difficult to evaluate your legal options effectively in the face of that concern. Fortunately, help is available from a seasoned defense attorney who has helped individuals in situations like yours seek fair resolutions many times before.
An initial consultation with a Maryland Jewish criminal defense lawyer could be the first key step toward constructing the best defense possible for your case. Call today to learn more.
