Were you arrested and charged with a crime? Criminal allegations can affect your job, your reputation, your finances, and your freedom. Not only that, but the consequences of a conviction can follow you for years to come, if not forever.
In the face of your charges, you deserve someone who will fight for your rights and make sure your voice is heard every step of the way. At The Bishop Law Group, we can represent you as your criminal defense lawyer in Glen Burnie.
As your legal counsel, we’re here to help you understand your options and work toward a favorable outcome in your case. We have over 25 years of combined experience, and we’ll be in your corner from day one.
Classification of Crimes in Maryland
Not everyone understands why it’s important to hire a Glen Burnie criminal defense lawyer, but it ultimately comes down to having someone in your corner who will advocate for you and defend your rights. Your lawyer can also answer questions like, “Will I go to jail for a DUI in Maryland?”
Furthermore, your Glen Burnie criminal defense attorney can also advise you of state laws that could affect your case, advise you of any defenses that you may have, as well as inform you of matters that you might not have known about before. As an example, Maryland divides criminal offenses into felonies and misdemeanors.
This distinction is based largely on the severity of the offense as well as the corresponding punishment. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between the two.
Felonies
Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors. They typically involve violence, substantial property damage, or conduct considered highly dangerous to public safety.
Examples include murder, robbery, rape, and drug distribution. Penalties can include lengthy prison sentences that often exceed one year, in addition to substantial fines.
Misdemeanors
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses compared to felonies, though they still carry quite an array of legal consequences. These include DUI, minor theft, assault in the second degree, and possession of small amounts of drugs.
Punishments may include jail time, though sentences are generally less severe. You might also be facing probation and fines, in addition to a permanent criminal record.
Some offenses, such as theft or drug offenses, can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. It all depends on factors like the value of the property involved or the specific substance in question.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving Glen Burnie, call (410) 390-3101
Types of Cases Our Glen Burnie Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle
Criminal charges in Glen Burnie can stem from a wide range of alleged offenses. Under Maryland law, each charge carries its own elements of the offense, penalties, and defenses (if applicable). Even so, a conviction can affect your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities.
Here are common types of criminal cases and how our Glen Burnie criminal defense attorneys may be able to help you:
- Glen Burnie property crimes lawyer: We represent individuals facing charges like theft, burglary, shoplifting, trespassing, or destruction of property by challenging the prosecution’s evidence and protecting our clients’ rights.
- Glen Burnie violent crimes lawyer: We defend people accused of serious offenses such as assault, robbery, homicide, or attempted murder. We’ll investigate the details, challenge witness credibility if applicable, and scrutinize law enforcement conduct.
- Glen Burnie drug crimes lawyer: We advocate for people charged with the possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of controlled substances by reviewing search and seizure procedures, lab results, and Fourth Amendment issues.
- Glen Burnie DUI lawyer: We fight for drivers accused of driving under the influence or while impaired by analyzing field sobriety tests, looking at breathalyzer accuracy, and whether or not the traffic stop was legally justified.
- Glen Burnie domestic violence lawyer: We stand up for individuals facing accusations of domestic assault, abuse, or violation of protective orders by carefully evaluating the facts and helping people through subsequent legal proceedings.
- Glen Burnie weapons charges lawyer: We defend clients against charges involving illegal possession of firearms, use of a weapon during a crime, or carrying without a permit by looking into the circumstances of the arrest and if applicable Maryland gun laws.
- Glen Burnie white-collar crimes lawyer: We represent those accused of non-violent financial crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, forgery, or identity theft by analyzing documentation, proving lack of intent, and challenging allegations.
- Glen Burnie juvenile defense lawyer: We guide minors and their families through the juvenile justice system when they’re facing charges like vandalism, underage drinking, or theft. We focus on working toward rehabilitation while protecting their futures.
- Glen Burnie probation violation lawyer: We protect the rights of individuals accused of violating the terms of their probation by reviewing the allegations, representing them at hearings, and working to avoid further penalties like jail time.
Glen Burnie Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (410) 390-3101
Court Process for Criminal Cases in Anne Arundel County
Criminal cases arising in Glen Burnie are generally handled in either the District Court in Glen Burnie or the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County in Annapolis. It all depends on the nature of the charges.
District Court handles bail reviews, misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felonies, some limited felonies, violation of probation matters, and traffic violations. Meanwhile, the Circuit Court handles jury trials, felony cases, violation of probation cases, and appeals from District Court.
The general process for a criminal case may include the following stages:
- Arrest and booking
- Initial appearance and bail hearing
- Preliminary hearing
- Arraignment
- Pretrial motions and discovery
- Trial
- Sentencing
- Appeal
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Contact Our Criminal Defense Law Firm in Glen Burnie Today
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Glen Burnie, you may feel like the odds are stacked against you. But you don’t have to face the legal system alone, and you are not without options.
Instead, turn to The Bishop Law Group. Our Glen Burnie criminal defense attorneys are ready to stand up for your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case on your behalf, and fight for your future.
Don’t wait to contact our Glen Burnie criminal defense law firm. The sooner we hear from you, the sooner we can start building your defense and defending your freedom. We’re here for you.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
