Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyers

person being arrested pulled over

Being charged with a crime is a frightening prospect. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, criminal convictions can impact your freedom, finances, and family. Don’t face the legal system alone. You need an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer to help protect your rights.

Greenberg Law Offices has stood up for Maryland citizens for over 60 years, and we’re ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let our family help your family.

How a Criminal Attorney in Maryland Can Help You

Whether you’re investigated for a crime or are charged with one, having skilled legal representation is crucial. An experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney from Greenberg Law Offices represents their clients throughout the legal process, from arrest to final verdict.

A criminal defense lawyer has the following five main duties:

  • Protecting a Client During Law Enforcement Interactions – Law enforcement interviews and interrogates suspects, but anything you say can be used against you, even if their accusations are wrong. Your lawyer can help protect your right against self-incrimination and your right to counsel during this early stage.
  • Evaluating the Charges – Once you’ve been charged, your lawyer will review the charges and any initial evidence against you. They will critically evaluate each charge and the reasoning behind it. This helps identify inconsistencies, errors, and possible defenses.
  • Reviewing, Finding, and Analyzing Evidence – Prosecutors must turn over the evidence they plan to use at trial, including exculpatory evidence, which can be used to clear someone of blame. Your attorney will also launch their own investigation. This allows them to find potentially exonerating evidence and decide on the strongest possible defense theories.
  • Negotiating with the Prosecution – Throughout the case, your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecutors to reduce or dismiss your charges.
  • Defending the Client During Motions, Hearings, and Trial – Finally, your attorney will defend you during pre-trial procedures and trial, if necessary. They will argue to exclude evidence that was improperly gathered or is unfairly prejudicial. If the case goes to trial, your attorney will argue that the prosecution hasn’t met the burden of proof to convict you of a crime.

The sooner you can hire a criminal defense attorney, the better. Early intervention protects your rights and, in some cases, prevents charges entirely.

Why You Need a Lawyer When Facing Criminal Charges

It may be tempting to represent yourself in court, especially if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. This is not a good idea, for several reasons:

  • You’re Not Objective – Self-representation might seem cheaper and easier, but there’s one major drawback: you’re not a neutral third party. Being charged with a crime is stressful, and it’s easy to become emotional and defensive when facing charges. Attorneys have the objective, professional distance to evaluate your case and present objective arguments in your favor. It’s important to have an advocate who can look at all the evidence and find the most effective defenses available, without emotion or bias.
  • You’re Not Experienced with the law – Most people are not familiar with the intricacies of criminal law. While plenty of legal resources are available for laypeople, there’s no substitute for working in the system day in and day out. Experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyers are familiar with how criminal laws are applied in practice.
  • You’re Not Experienced with Criminal Procedure – The criminal justice system is complex. It’s easy to miss deadlines and overlook evidentiary problems. This can negatively impact your case. With your freedom and criminal record at stake, it’s not worth the risk.
  • You May Not Be Able to Secure a Plea Deal – Many cases are resolved through plea bargains, which allow you to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. Your attorney will know how to leverage the evidence available to secure a plea deal if that’s appropriate in your situation. They’ll also be familiar with local prosecutors and judges, which helps them understand which options may be on the table.
  • You May Irreparably Damage Your Case – Many defendants want to explain themselves to law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and juries. While that’s understandable, it could damage your case beyond repair. Criminal defense lawyers act as a buffer between you and the system. They can help you avoid saying or doing anything harmful throughout the process.

Working with a private criminal defense attorney is preferable to working with a public defender. Although public defenders are skilled litigators, they also have large caseloads and less time to work with clients. When you’re facing criminal charges, we at Greenberg Law Offices know how to protect our clients’ rights and work to minimize penalties.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle

Greenberg Law Offices has over six decades of experience representing Maryland clients. We handle a wide variety of criminal cases, including:

If you’re unsure of what you’ve been charged with or if we can represent you, contact us for a free consultation with a Maryland criminal lawyer.

What Steps You Should Take If You Have Been Arrested

Getting arrested can be harrowing and frightening. It’s tempting to argue or proclaim your innocence, but that can work against you. Worse, you may not even realize you’ve been arrested. Law enforcement doesn’t always announce that you’re under arrest and read your Miranda rights. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re not free to leave, you are considered to be in police custody.

If you’ve been arrested, you should do the following:

If an officer hasn’t read you your rights, ask if you’re free to go. If you’re not free to go, consider yourself under arrest.

It might be tempting to resist arrest, but it’s wise to cooperate. Stay cool and polite, and don’t make any sudden movements.

Anything you say can be used against you, so if you’re under arrest, you need to request a lawyer. It’s important to keep it simple and clear. Tell the officer, “I want a lawyer, and I want to remain silent.” This is called “invoking your Miranda rights,” and it will help protect you from saying something that could harm your case.

Even if you have nothing to hide, do not consent to any searches. You’re not required to give consent, and you may not realize that you’re already under arrest. The police may perform a search anyway, but your refusal to consent allows your lawyer to challenge the search later.

After you’ve asked for an attorney and invoked your right to silence, stop talking. You are only required to give basic information, like your name and address. You don’t have to answer anything else. Assume that anything you say will be overheard — including in jailhouse calls — and used against you, even if it seems innocent.

As soon as you’re allowed a phone call, call the Maryland criminal defense attorneys at Greenberg Law Offices. Alternatively, you can call a family member. It’s important to tell them only that you’ve been arrested, where you are, and that you need them to contact a lawyer.

Penalties You Could Face for Criminal Convictions in Maryland

Penalties for criminal convictions depend on the type of crime you’re charged with and the unique facts of your case. Generally, misdemeanors are punished by no more than 12 months in jail and fines. Felonies, on the other hand, are serious crimes. They carry sentences ranging from one year to life in prison plus significant fines. In rare cases, a defendant may be sentenced to the death penalty.

Depending on your charges and circumstances, you may be eligible for probation, parole, or diversionary programs, which can reduce your sentence. However, it’s important to remember that even misdemeanor convictions can have a long-term impact on your ability to find a job, rent a home, possess a firearm, and retain your professional license.

Potential Defenses to Charges You Are Facing

Fortunately, with a Greenberg Law Offices attorney on your side, you’ll receive aggressive legal advocacy from an experienced attorney. We’ll work to identify the best possible defenses, including:

  • Lack of evidence
  • Mistaken identity
  • Alibi
  • Self-defense
  • Violation of Constitutional rights
  • Improper interpretation of forensic evidence
  • Unreliable witness testimony

Our Maryland criminal lawyers are skilled negotiators and aggressive litigators, and we prepare every case as if we’re going to trial. We’ll keep you informed throughout your case, protect your rights, and advocate for the best outcome possible.