Havre de Grace Criminal Defense Lawyer

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

Havre de Grace, Maryland is located at the head of the Chesapeake Bay and the mouth of the Susquehanna River. Built overtop the water is the CSX Susquehanna River Bridge that allows for more than 80 daily passenger trains to pass through. With so much going on in a small town, crime is inevitable. If you are facing criminal charges, no matter the offense, call an Havre de Grace criminal lawyer.

Where Do I Go to Face my Charges?

Havre de Grace is located in Harford County, Maryland. So, if you are charged with a crime in Havre de Grace you are a short ride away from the District and Circuit courts located in Bel Air, Maryland. Both courts operate during the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Which court you go to depends on the type of crime committed. District courts have the ability to hear misdemeanors and certain felonies. However, the District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit court to hear criminal cases, classified as misdemeanors and certain felonies, in which the penalty is 3 or more years in prison or a fine greater than $2,500.

Common Offenses in Havre de Gracemaryland criminal defense attorneys

Boating Incidents

There are many different situations that a defense attorney can help you with if you were involved in a boating incident. If you were involved in a boating accident and were injured a criminal attorney can be of assistance. An experienced attorney will get you the compensation you deserve and keep you well informed during the process. If you have been charged with operating under the influence (OUI) there are multiple consequences such as losing your boating license, a fine of up to $1,000 if it is your first offense and jail time. Whether you were charged with boating while under the influence or were implicated in a boating accident, an Havre de Grace attorney can help you.

Child Support and Custody

Child support and custody disagreements can get hotly contested and personal. In a custody case, the judge is determining whether one parent should have sole custody in making decisions relating to the child. A custody attorney has the responsibility to aid you in ensuring that your child has the proper support and keep your child’s best interest in mind. Meanwhile, a child support attorney has the duty to ensure that the child’s custodian is compensation by any individual who is also legally responsible for that child. A judge will determine the appropriate amount of compensation by looking at a number of factors such as visitation rights, income, health care costs and child care expenses. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we understand how serious these matters are and will fight for the best outcome for you.

Gambling Crimes

There are few people left who believe that gambling should be illegal, however, gambling that is not authorized by the state of Maryland is not legal. There are many different ways to partake in gambling, such as a gaming event, betting on events, and gambling on a vessel or building on or over the water within the State. Violating the gambling statutes could result in jail time and a fine. Being convicted of this offense will leave a mark on your record, but it does not have to. If you call an Havre de Grace lawyer, we will fight for the best outcome for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony?

A misdemeanor is less severe than a felony and an example charge is a DUI/DWI. A felony is the most serious types of crimes that carry higher fines and more severe penalties ranging from one year in prison to life in prison. Many criminal offenses may be a felony or misdemeanor depending on the surrounding circumstances of the case. For example, first-degree assault is a felony, but second-degree assault is considered a misdemeanor. No matter a misdemeanor or felony, there can be serious consequences in terms of penalties and the affect on your future. Call an Havre de Grace criminal lawyer to discuss what options you have to fight any charges you may be facing.

What is bail and how does it work?

Bail is a tool used to ensure that defendants will come to trial and remain for the criminal processes. Some defendants are flight risks and may be hard to find so bail could be denied. However, if bail is given, the defendant may pay the bail as a placeholder. The court keeps the money and if the defendant appears for court, gets the money back, but if the defendant fails to appear in court, the court keeps your money. When determining whether to grant bail many factors are considered such as the dangerousness of the defendant and their ability to flee the country.

If I am convicted, how will my sentence be determined?

If you are convicted, that means that you were found guilty of the crime you were charged with. Once convicted a judge, not jury, will determine your sentence. Many times, there are sentencing guidelines that will guide the judge to the appropriate sentence for the crime. There is a minimum and maximum sentence for a crime and the judge can order the minimum, maximum or anywhere in between. When making this determination the judge will consider past criminal history, whether you were the main actor in the execution of the crime and whether anyone was hurt during the crime.

Call for Free Consultation

Legal matters and disputes are stressful and can often be confusing. Do not let a charge consume your life, call an Havre de Grace criminal lawyer to assist you in your defense.