Criminal Charges in Howard County
Facing a criminal charge in Maryland can be so frightening and intimidating, especially for those who believe they have been wrongly charged. While the legal process can be overwhelming, your Howard County criminal lawyer can begin working to clear your name immediately.
Building a Defense
Our firm’s experienced criminal lawyers in Howard County handle all types of cases, from lower-level misdemeanors to very serious felonies. We understand that the type of crime a person is charged with says nothing about his or her character, especially since anyone can be wrongfully accused.
We also know that a person’s prior record should not impact how zealous of a defense he or she deserves. Whether you have never been charged with a crime or have several prior convictions, our criminal attorneys in Howard County will work hard to pursue reduced or dismissed charges on your behalf.
Common Criminal Charges in Maryland
Maryland possesses a vast criminal code, and our firm handles all types of criminal defense. Some of the more common cases we deal with include but are not limited to:
- Theft
- Reckless Driving
- Traffic Offenses
- Speeding Tickets
- Assault
- DUI
- Sex Crimes
- Drug Crimes
Criminal Penalties in Maryland
Maryland takes criminal offenses very seriously, and criminal penalties can be severe, ranging from one year in jail and $1000 in fines for a first-offense DUI, to up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines for felony theft under Maryland Code ยง 7-104, to up to 25 years in prison for first-degree assault.
Certain circumstances can trigger heightened penalties, and others call for mandatory minimum jail sentences. Subsequent convictions, crimes involving minors, and especially violent offenses may trigger such enhanced penalties.
Some charges also carry additional penalties, such as paying restitution to a theft victim, attending an alcohol treatment program following a subsequent DUI conviction, attending mandated anger management classes as part of the penalty for a domestic violence conviction, or parenting classes following a child abuse case.
Working with an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Your Howard County defense attorney can examine the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s evidence against you, and can also determine whether there are any mitigating factors that the court should consider, such as self-defense, lack of knowledge or intent to commit the offense, or a reasonable belief that your conduct was legal.
Regardless of the type of charges you are facing and whether you ultimately negotiate reduced penalties or proceed to trial, your Howard County criminal lawyer will work to make sure your rights are protected.