Easton, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

A criminal conviction can have consequences that extend far into the future. If you have criminal charges filed against you in Easton, Maryland then you should seek the help of an attorney that works with Rice, Murtha & Psoras as soon as possible. The lawyers that work with Rice, Murtha & Psoras can help defendants understand their charges, craft defenses, and ensure that the criminal process is carried out as fairly as possible.
Residents of Easton, Maryland that have had criminal charges filed against them should get in touch with an attorney from Rice, Murtha & Psoras soon. Call (410) 431-0911 to learn more about how you can schedule a time for a free legal consultation today.

Common Criminal Offenses in Easton, Maryland

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Possessing controlled substances of all Schedules (ranging from Schedule I to Schedule V) may result in drug possession charges in Maryland. (Drug possession charges for possession of marijuana are much less stringent than charges associated with higher schedules.) Penalties for the first conviction for possession of a controlled substance may be up to a year in jail for a first offense and a fine a fine up to $5,000; second and third convictions for possession of a controlled substance may be up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Penalties for possession with intent to distribute are more severe.

Assault

Assault charges may result from inflicting unwanted physical contact or harm on another person. Assault charges may also result from threatening to inflict unwanted physical contact or harm on another person. First degree felony assault may be punishable by a maximum of 25 years of imprisonment, second degree felony assault may be punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and $5,000 in fines, and second-degree misdemeanor assault charges may result in 10 years in prison and a maximum of $2,500 in fines.

Disturbing the Peace

Being too noisy in public, participating in protests, interfering with a business’s operations, or obstructing traffic or the free passage of public through public space are all reasons to receive a charge for disturbing the peace in Baltimore. The penalties that a defendant might incur for disturbing the peace include a fine up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

Child Support

In Maryland, child support payments are based on a fixed formula that takes a few factors into consideration: the parent in whose custody the child resides, the cost of child care, any healthcare costs associated with the child. Failure to make child support payments on time and in full can carry severe consequences. A judge may deem that you are in contempt of court, which can result in time in jail. Another possible consequence of failing to make child support payments is suspension of a driver’s license, denial of passport requests, revocation of professional licenses, or interception of state income tax refunds (if the amount of child support owed is more than $150).

Fraud

Fraud is a broad category in the Maryland Criminal Code, and includes embezzlement, forgery, identity fraud, fraud against the general public, and credit card crimes. This offense may carry either misdemeanor or felony charges with it. The penalties that a defendant can receive as a result of most charges for fraud may be a fine of less than $500 and/or 18 months in jail. The penalties for identity fraud, which is a much more severe crime, is a fine of up to $25,000 and 15 years of imprisonment.

The Process Following Criminal Charges in Maryland

It’s important to understand the criminal process following a charge if you have committed crimes in Maryland. The first step in the process is an arrest and booking. The next step in the criminal process after an arrest is to go through a series of hearings and arraignments in court, during which the defendant will receive the details surrounding their charges and enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty.
Next, the defendant will enter the pretrial phase, which entails the collection of evidence and interviews with witnesses. The attorney and the defendant will work together during this phase to build a case for the defendant’s defense. Any motions that need to be filed with the court will be filed during this time.
The trial is the next phase in the process. During the trial, a judge or jury will make a decision regarding the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Following this phase, the process may continue into a decreasing a penalty or filing an appeal if the defendant received a guilty verdict.

Get in Touch with an Easton, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Connect with Easton criminal attorney Randolph Rice for help with your criminal charges soon. Prevent criminal charges from turning into convictions that can hinder your prospects of a successful future. Call (410) 431-0911 for more information about how you can use the services of Rice, Murtha & Psoras or to schedule a free and confidential legal consultation.