Glen Burnie Criminal Defense Lawyer

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

Have you been wrongly arrested? Did you err in judgment during a night out? From misdemeanors to felonies, having a skilled attorney to represent you will have significant impacts. If you have been charged with a crime in Glen Burnie, Maryland, hiring an experienced criminal lawyer will allow you to explore all your legal options.

Potential Offenses in Glen Burnie, Maryland

Glen Burnie is located near the airport, with I-97 and I-695 connecting it to other parts of Maryland. The surrounding highways make the need to drive inevitable, which can lead to mishaps. If you are involved in a vehicular accident or pulled over and charged with driving on a suspended license, a Glen Burnie attorney can help. Rice, Murtha & Psoras has experience handling not only criminal charges of vehicular crimes but also a wide array of other criminal charges and can help mitigate your problems today.

Charges a Glen Burnie Criminal Attorney Can Help You With

Burglary

Burglary is the crime of entering a building illegally with the intent to commit a crime, most often theft. A burglary charge can be in the first through fourth degree. First-, second- and third-degree burglary are felonies, but burglary in the fourth degree is a misdemeanor. When you are charged, the penalty for burglary can be anywhere from a few years in prison up to 20 years if you are charged with first-degree burglary.

Theft

Theft is the taking of a person’s property without his or her permission. The charge of theft has an intentional mental element to it. The sentence that follows theft depends on the value of the property in question. Just like the charge of burglary, theft may be a felony or misdemeanor. Maryland recognizes a few defenses to the accusation of theft, including the following: acting under a good faith claim of right to the property, acting in honest belief that you had the right to obtain control of the property, or the property belongs to the person’s spouse unless the spouse was living in a separate residence. If you have been charged with theft, call a Glen Burnie Criminal Attorney today to assist in your defense.

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes can encompass a wide array charges, including possession, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of paraphernalia. In Maryland, drug charges are common and often carry harsh penalties. Because of the high volume of interstate drug activity on highways like the ones connecting Glen Burnie to the rest of the Maryland, the state has implemented tougher sentencing. This includes a maximum sentence for possession of a controlled substance of a $25,000 fine and four years in prison. So, if you find yourself facing drug charges, contact an experienced attorney immediately.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license

Did you find yourself pulled over on the side of Interstate 97 when the officer said that your license had been suspended? These charges are not only moving violations but also may carry criminal charges Breaking Maryland’s code for driving without a license is a misdemeanor and may carry prison time. One of the elements that must be proved for driving on a suspended or revoked license is knowledge of the suspension. This burden of proof of knowledge falls on the prosecution; however, the court may infer knowledge. These charges seem minor, but may have major effects on your daily activities, so call an attorney to ensure that the best result is reached.

Questions to Ask a Glen Burnie Criminal Law Attorney

If I have a prior criminal conviction, how will that affect my current charge?

Prior convictions may be used in two capacities: as evidence at trial or for determining sentencing. If you have a prior conviction, the court may take that into consideration and impose a harsher sentence. There are times that judges, by law, are required to increase a sentence if there is a prior conviction for the same offense. This occurs with DUI cases. However, a prior conviction often cannot be used as evidence to impeach credibility.

Do I need a criminal defense attorney if I have been wrongly accused?

Some people have been wrongly accused and subsequently found guilty. The criminal justice system is not perfect, so it is best to have every possible option covered. Even if you know you are innocent, contacting an attorney will ensure the best outcome for your case.

Will any attorney be adequate?

When your future is on the line, adequate simply does not cut it. Your lawyer must be familiar with the type of charges brought before the court. When your life is in question, the more experience, the better, so do not settle for just any attorney. Call an attorney who will do everything he or she can to mitigate the situation.

Call a Glen Burnie Criminal Lawyer

Facing criminal charges can turn your life upside down, but it doesn’t have to. If you have been charged criminally, call Randolph Rice today for an immediate response and consultation.