Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer

The Maryland Office of Crime Control and Prevention gave Montgomery County more than $1.6 million in grants to implement new crime-fighting strategies. Unfortunately, any push to bring down the crime rate can prompt overzealous prosecutions and sometimes abusive behaviors on the part of investigators. Anyone suspected of a criminal act deserves to have his rights respected and every accused deserves a fair trial. If you are under investigation or have been charged, a Montgomery County criminal lawyer can provide legal representation and help protect your best interests throughout your involvement with the justice system.

Montgomery County, Maryland

Montgomery County is the most populated county in Maryland. The county is bordered by Washington, DC to the south, making it center for business and research. Considered as one of the largest biotechnology clusters in the U.S., MoCo is home to several large corporate companies and medical institutions, including the Johns Hopkins University’s Montgomery County Campus and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Because of its close proximity to Washington, DC, federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) also engage in related work. MoCo is consistently ranked among the wealthiest counties in the nation and holds the highest percentage of residents who hold postgraduate degrees. Montgomery is easily accessible through major highways, including Interstate 270, Interstate 70, and the Capital Beltway, as well as through Washington’s Metro service, Amtrak, and MARC commuter rails.

Our firm’s Montgomery County office is located at 51 Monroe Street in Rockville, MD. The is the base of operations for our attorneys who serve clients in Montgomery County and other parts of Maryland, including: Barnesville, Beallsville, Bethesda, Boyds, Brookeville, Burtonsville, Chevy Chase, Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Garrett Park, Germantown, Glen Echo, Hyattstown, Kensington, Laytonsville, Montgomery Village, Olney, Poolesville, Potomac, Rockville, Sandy Spring, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Washington Grove, Wheaton, and White Oak.

Criminal Laws in Montgomery County

In Maryland, criminal offenses are broadly grouped into felonies and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are more minor offenses that usually result in less than a year of incarceration, while felonies are more serious crimes.

Maryland has voluntary sentencing guidelines listing each criminal offense. Judges may use the sentencing guidelines by completing a worksheet detailing the offense committed, aggravating or mitigating factors, and the criminal history of the defendant.
The sentencing guidelines provide a complete list of criminal acts in the state that could result in jail time, fines, probation, community service, or other penalties upon conviction. Some of the many listed offenses where you may want to contact a Montgomery County criminal lawyer include:

History of repeat convictions can result in significantly harsher penalties than for those that have no criminal record making it even more important that you contact a MoCo criminal lawyer if you already have a criminal record.

Being Prosecuted in Montgomery County

Before you are found guilty and sentenced to criminal penalties for any offense, a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you violated Maryland’s criminal laws. By working with a Montgomery County criminal lawyer, you can work to prove that there is reasonable doubt in your case, thereby making a conviction difficult.
The Maryland Criminal Code has 12 different “titles” defining offenses within the state. For most crimes, there are multiple elements of the offense and a prosecutor must prove every element of the particular crime if you are to be convicted. If the prosecutor cannot prove any part of the case against you, you should avoid conviction. This is where an experienced Montgomery County criminal defense attorney comes in–helping you to develop a defense and guiding you through any litigation that may occur.

Montgomery County Criminal Penalties

If you are convicted of a criminal offense, Maryland’s sentencing guidelines are voluntary. However, each different section of the criminal code outlines the possible penalties for various wrongful acts.
For many defendants accused of crimes, prosecutors are willing to make a deal to avoid trial. If you admit you violated the law, the prosecutor may agree to charge you with a less serious offense than you would be charged with if your case went to a jury. The prosecutor may also agree to recommend that you face a sentence that is less serious than the maximum penalty for the particular offense. A Montgomery County criminal attorney will be able to look at the specific details surrounding your case and let you know if a plea bargain is a good idea for charge.

The Courthouse in Montgomery County, MD

In addition to the Silver Spring District Courthouse on 8552 Second Avenue, the Montgomery County court system also includes the District Court in Rockville on 191 East Jefferson Street. The District Court keeps weekday hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the exception of being closed during all legal holidays. Those utilizing the area’s public transportation systems can access the District Court via routes 46, 54, 63, and T2. A Montgomery County lawyer is experienced in working with all court personnel, including the Administrative Clerk Judy Lohman. Parking for the Rockville court in MoCo is available through a variety of public lots.

How a Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer Can Help You

A Montgomery County criminal lawyer is best-equipped to be your advocate as you respond to charges. An attorney can:

Advise you when you are under investigation or answering police questions.
Collect evidence for your case.
Argue for bail at arraignment and help you make an informed choice about pleading guilty or not guilty.
Negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor.
Help you make the jury doubt your guilt in a criminal trial.
Educate you on common mistakes to avoid
Inform you on your rights when facing police questioning and when police try to conduct searches.
Help you appeal a decision in your case.

These are just some of the ways in which a Montgomery County criminal lawyer will fight for you when you are at risk of conviction for breaking the law. Hire an attorney with experience; call today to find out more about what a lawyer can do to help you.