Ocean City Springfest Criminal Lawyer
Traveling to Ocean City, Maryland for Springfest is a fun way to spend a long weekend on the eastern shores of Maryland. No one expects that a weekend away will result in criminal charges, but sometimes it happens.
Being convicted of criminal offenses can be punished with fines, incarceration, or both. If you are facing criminal penalties following a weekend getaway in Ocean City, have your case evaluated by an experienced Ocean City Springfest criminal lawyer to ensure that your interests are protected. An experienced defense attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you know what to expect throughout the legal process.
Drug Possession
Marijuana is not legal in Maryland, but possessing small quantities does not result in criminal penalties. Possessing less than 10 grams of marijuana is a civil offense that is punishable by a fine up to $100.
The penalties are increased when possessing more than 10 grams, and up to 50 pounds of marijuana. It is criminally punishable as a misdemeanor offense so the penalties are up to one year in jail and $1,000 fine.
Possessing 50 pounds or more of marijuana and/or possession with intent to sell are felony offenses and the corresponding penalties are more severe making it important that an Ocean City Springfest attorney is consulted. Possession of Schedule I, Schedule II, and Schedule III substances are punished more aggressively than the penalties for marijuana possession, despite marijuana being a Schedule I substance.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence includes assault, battery, sexual offenses, stalking, and false imprisonment of a family member, those living in the accused’s household, and former cohabitants. The penalties for misdemeanor assault in the second degree include up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
Maryland judges have wide discretion in determining the appropriate penalty for domestic violence cases. While there is no obligation that the sentence is more lenient or severe than other assault cases, a judge can sentence more harshly.
Additionally, if the victim of domestic violence is granted a temporary order of protection, it can impact the accused’s ability to return home, if the parties live together.
Gun Related Offenses
Maryland has strict firearm laws; carrying, wearing, or transporting a handgun in Maryland is illegal, with some exceptions. To carry a handgun in Maryland, a permit to carry has been issued by Maryland. Failing to do so is punishable by 30 days in jail and up to 3 years’ incarceration.
Possessing a handgun when the accused has a prior felony, is a felony offense on its own. In addition to violating the terms of probation on the initial offense and any penalties associated with that charge, it is punishable by up to five years’ incarceration and up to $10,000 fine, if convicted making it extremely important that an Ocean City Springfest attorney is contacted.
How An Ocean City Attorney Can Help
Establishing a good defense in criminal cases requires that an attorney to be knowledgeable of the law, detail oriented during the investigation, and have a good working relationship with the client.
A good relationship is even more important when the client does not live in Ocean City, where the pending charges were filed. Accordingly, it is imperative in an attorney-client relationship that the accused choose an attorney that she or he trusts to guide them.
If you have been charged with a criminal offense while attending Springfest in Ocean City, contact an experienced Ocean City Springfest lawyer, who can build the best defense in your case.