DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Frederick, MD

DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer Christian Hartman

Christian Hartman is a defense attorney at Alpert Schreyer. He defends clients charged with driving under the influence, drug possession, drug distribution, and general traffic law violations.

Mr. Hartman began his career as a prosecutor and quickly became proficient in DUI and other Fourth Amendment cases. His true calling, however, is defending those facing criminal charges. As he began working as a defense attorney, he discovered his time as a prosecutor gave him a unique edge. Attorney Hartman now specializes in finding and breaking open holes in the prosecution’s case. 

DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Frederick, MD

If you’ve been arrested and charged with DUI or another criminal charge in Frederick, MD or elsewhere in the state, reach out for a free legal consultation. We’ll take a careful look at your situation and answer your legal questions. If you choose to hire us to defend you, the first thing we will do is look for any mistakes in procedure that violated your rights. For example, we will fight to save you from wrongful conviction due to an improperly administered preliminary breath test or field test.

Should we determine that a DUI conviction is unavoidable, we will fight to minimize the impact of your conviction. In the process, we will review your options with you from every angle and make sure you understand all possible contingencies.

We Handle a Wide Range of Criminal Cases

Each criminal case is unique, based on the charges the defendant is facing. Maryland law sets forth requirements that must be met to convict a person of each charge. To meet these requirements and convict a defendant, the prosecutor must establish proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This proof is established through the presentation of evidence that the crime was committed and meets the requirements for conviction.

Successfully challenging a prosecutor’s evidence requires skilled defense attorneys who can go toe-to-toe with the prosecution, think on their feet, and effectively argue a convincing defense strategy. It’s critical the defense attorney you place your trust in has a record of success defending against the charges you face.

At Alpert Schreyer, LLC, our attorneys know how to defend against any type of criminal charges — whether misdemeanors or felonies. Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD handle everything from petty theft to violent crimes. Examples of cases we regularly handle include:

DUI and DWI– If authorities allege that you drove with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08 percent, you can face charges of driving under the influence (DUI). If your BAC is between 0.04 and 0.08 percent, a prosecutor may issue charges of driving while impaired (DWI). DUI and DWI convictions can mean fines and jail time or probation, and lasting damage to your life.

Assault– There are a few ways you could end up facing assault charges:

• • You cause harm to someone
  • You engage in offensive contact with someone
  • You make someone afraid that you will cause them harm


Self-defense is a common defense tactic used to challenge assault charges. Succeeding with this angle of defense is challenging, however, without the help of a knowledgeable defense attorney.

Though facing criminal charges for assault can feel like the end of the world, it doesn’t have to be. Remember, every person who faces assault charges is innocent until proven guilty. It’s the prosecutor’s job to prove the assault occurred.

As former prosecutors, the criminal defense lawyers at Alpert Schreyer have the perspective of being able to view your case from the shoes of the prosecutor, allowing us the ability to build you the strongest possible defense. Even if you’re afraid, confused, and overwhelmed, don’t give up on defending your future — help is available, and we’re here for you.

Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD have successfully defended many clients against assault charges. We have the resources and the experience to build you an effective legal defense.

• Drug Crimes– Drug possession cases are common in the Frederick area and the state of Maryland in general. Even a small amount of a controlled substance can trigger felony charges, putting you at risk of a prison sentence. Just a few examples of other drug charges include manufacturing, possession with intent to distribute, and trafficking.
  
  With more than four decades of experience practicing law in Maryland, our DUI and criminal defense lawyers are highly knowledgeable and committed to protecting your constitutional rights. Call us to find out how we can provide you with an aggressive defense in court.

We have represented drug crimes defendants, from simple possession charges to large trafficking cases. As former prosecutors, we realize law enforcement doesn’t always follow correct or ethical procedures in drug cases. We have the ability to recognize when law enforcement has obtained evidence illegally.

Our extensive experience with drug crimes cases enables us to go through your case step by step, looking for opportunities to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. For example, a medical defense may be the best angle from which to defend a marijuana case.

Our experienced DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD will work to bring you the best possible outcome for your drug crimes case. We will take our fight all the way to trial if we must.

• Criminal Defense in Frederick, MD – The DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD are experienced in defending the rights of individuals facing criminal charges. We begin with a careful review of your situation to gain a thorough understanding of your needs and the circumstances surrounding your case.
  
  Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD excel at making compelling arguments at bond hearings to get your bail reduced or eliminated. We will marshal the facts to show the judge you are not a flight risk or a threat to the public or witnesses in the case.
  
  We use our in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system to help you evaluate the choices open to you. Our knowledge of what judges look for when granting leniency allows us to effectively argue for your charges to be reduced or even dismissed.
  
  In many situations, we can get our clients released on their own recognizance (ROR). This means they don’t need to post any money or collateral, instead simply promise to show up for future court hearings and any future trial. Below are a few examples of the types of criminal defense cases we’ve handled.
• Disorderly Conduct– Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor offense that can apply to many behaviors, like disturbing the peace. While many people fail to take disorderly conduct charges seriously, a conviction can mean fines, probation, jail time, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.
• Theft Crimes– Maryland categorizes a wide variety of offenses as theft crimes. These offenses can include larceny (stealing), shoplifting, motor vehicle theft, robbery, and white collar financial crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and identity theft. The penalties for theft often depend on the amount of missing money, objects, or services.
• Weapons and Gun Crimes– Maryland has strict gun laws and harsh penalties for people convicted of unlawful possession or use of weapons. In many cases, a prosecutor may attempt to escalate your charges by alleging that you used a gun during the commission of a crime. This can pile on additional charges and increase the severity of your sentence.
 
• Domestic Violence – The domestic violence laws in Maryland are broad, covering everything from violent assault to destruction of property and stalking. If you’ve been accused of domestic violence, there’s no time to waste. A conviction for this charge is likely to mean high fines and jail time. We urge you to hire an experienced domestic violence lawyer to fight for your rights if you are facing this charge.
  
  With more than 40 years of experience defending those accused of assault, abuse, sex crimes, and other serious offenses, the Maryland domestic violence lawyers at Alpert Schreyer know just how destructive these charges can be to your life. We are committed to protecting your rights as we relentlessly pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Homicide – The Maryland homicide defense attorneys at Alpert Schreyer believe everyone accused of a crime deserves a zealous and complete defense. Our homicide defense attorneys have practiced law in Maryland for over four decades, handling thousands of criminal cases.

As former prosecutors, we have an in-depth knowledge of the law and know the prosecutors and judges who help administer it every day throughout Maryland. We also know the serious nature of homicide charges requires that strict rules be observed regarding the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.

As former prosecutors, Alpert Schreyer’s Maryland homicide defense attorneys know law enforcement sometimes make mistakes and may even misuse their authority. Our extensive knowledge of law enforcement procedure for investigating, gathering, and preserving evidence allows us to anticipate where and when procedure may go wrong. We use our uncanny ability to challenge investigative findings to ensure proper procedure and chain of custody were followed. When we find discrepancies, we fight to have the evidence in question thrown out.

We promise each of our clients a thorough investigation of their case. We look for weaknesses and errors to help us get their charges dismissed or reduced. We are also committed to taking your case to trial and providing an aggressive defense when necessary.
These are not the only cases we handle. No matter what charges you face, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm for answers about your case. We realize that being charged with a crime can quickly create a financial crisis, in addition to a personal one, and offer free case evaluations to all potential clients.

Our firm will meet with you to answer your questions and evaluate the circumstances of your case. If you decide to retain our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD, we will start building an aggressive defense strategy tailored to your situation. The sooner you call, the sooner we can begin reviewing evidence, contacting witnesses, and taking any additional necessary steps to advance your defense.


Criminal Law FAQ

Each criminal case involves unique evidence and a variety of legal questions and complexities. The different procedures, regulations, and personae create an intricate and intimidating tableau. This can quickly leave defendants feeling overwhelmed, alone, and helpless against the system.

But that’s not the way it has to be. With the right defense attorney, you’ll get answers to your questions about what’s happening and what comes next. Having experienced DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD is your best chance for optimal results in your case.

Read on to get answers to questions commonly asked of our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD.

What Is the Role of a Prosecutor?

When the government suspects criminal activity, it is the role of the government to prosecute the person or persons it suspects to have committed the crime. The prosecutor is the lawyer who will work with the government to hold the defendant accountable. Depending on the case and the court, a district attorney or an attorney for the county, city, or state may serve as the prosecutor.

What Cases Will a Prosecutor Pursue?

Not all criminal charges go to trial. The prosecutor will use available evidence to determine if a crime was committed. If, in the opinion of the prosecutor, enough evidence exists and police did not violate the defendant’s rights during the arrest, the prosecutor will file charges and the case may proceed to trial.

Is There a Difference between Parole and Probation?

Both parole and probation occur after the penalty phase of a criminal proceeding, but there are important differences between them.

Parole is when a person is released from prison after being sent to prison (incarcerated). Probation is a different criminal sentence from incarceration. The State may sentence defendants to probation who are found guilty of lesser crimes or are first-time offenders. This means they are released from jail to serve their time out in the community, under specific restrictions, including the supervision of a probation officer. If a defendant violates probation, the judge may revoke their probation and send them to prison for the remainder of their sentence.

Do I Need an Attorney If I’m Not Guilty of the Crime?

A common mistake is to assume that the court will find you not guilty if you believe in your innocence. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The court makes mistakes and convicts wrongfully accused defendants every day; leaving your fate to chance could prove a costly mistake.

Do I Need an Attorney If I Intend to Plead Guilty?

The skilled DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD can often reduce your charges by negotiating the terms of a plea deal. If you plead guilty without quality legal representation, you could end up with maximum penalties at sentencing.

Hiring our knowledgeable DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD is the best way to protect your constitutional rights and ensure that you receive fair treatment during all criminal proceedings — including sentencing.

How Our Defense Lawyers Can Help

The above are only some of the many questions that criminal defendants may have. The system is not set up to be transparent to defendants or to work in their favor. It is often difficult to get a judge or prosecutor to address even your simplest questions or concerns.

Instead of risking an unnecessarily harsh outcome, discuss your charges with our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD, who can answer all your questions.

We then navigate every step of the process, helping with the challenges below and more:

• Representing you during all police communications
• Seeking a bail reduction
• Representing you at your arraignment and all court appearances
• Advising you on all your plea options — pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest
• Investigating the circumstances of your arrest and the alleged offenses
• Identifying whether authorities violated your constitutional rights
• Identifying all possible legal defenses that apply in your case
• Challenging the sufficiency of the prosecutor’s evidence against you
• Negotiating with the prosecutor for a favorable plea bargain
• Examining any possible alternative sentencing options
• Representing you at a jury trial, if necessary

With our legal team handling your case, you can trust that you will have the most effective defense possible in your situation.

Knowledge

 A successful defense can often be leveraged from the discovery that law enforcement officers made mistakes and failed to follow proper legal procedure. Our attorneys have the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze the state’s case against you and discern any errors.

The DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD are former prosecutors who regularly travel the country to receive advanced training. Recognizing mistakes made by law enforcement officers and challenging those mistakes in court can enable us to get evidence thrown out. It may also provide us with a route to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Experience

Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD have successfully defended thousands of individuals charged with DUI, DWI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, and homicide in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Our criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors with over 40 years of combined experience.

Results

Our willingness to aggressively fight DUI and other criminal charges in Frederick, MD, instead of pleading our clients guilty, has allowed us to achieve the best possible results for those we represent. While we can’t promise you a specific outcome, we can promise to fight your case with the same intensity, skill, and drive that produced these excellent outcomes for other clients.

Specific DUI/DWI Defense

When it comes to a robust defense for DUI/DWI cases, our experienced attorneys in Maryland have a variety of resources readily available for their clients. Our attorneys utilize these resources to investigate cases, provide expert witnesses in court, and help our clients find appropriate treatment providers.

NHTSA Field Sobriety Certification

 Founding partner Andrew Alpert is one of only a few attorneys in the state of Maryland who has been certified as a NHTSA certified field sobriety test instructor. As a certified field sobriety test instructor, Alpert can recognize and challenge any improper field sobriety testing evidence the State may attempt to use against you. This allows him to challenge any evidence against you obtained through improper field sobriety testing procedures.

A Lead Attorney Who Owns and Operates Breathalyzer Equipment

Not everyone realizes that just because a driver had a breath test indicating a BAC of .08, doesn’t mean that person is also guilty of DUI. In addition to the potential for human error, chemical tests are notorious for inaccurate readings. An incorrect calibration on a breathalyzer machine can be the difference to someone being arrested for DUI or not.

As someone certified to own and operate numerous types of breath testing equipment, lead attorney Andrew Alpert knows what questions to ask regarding any breathalyzer evidence against you to help protect you from an unjust charge.

Communication Skills

 Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD communicate clearly, so clients can understand their legal rights and options and make appropriate decisions. Equally important, our attorneys listen and understand what their clients say to them, ensuring effective two-way communication.

Compassion

Successful and helpful DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD recognize that facing DUI charges can be frightening. At Alpert Schreyer, we know how to put our clients at ease to alleviate the stress. We make your case about you, not us.

Reach out to Alpert Schreyer’s DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Frederick, MD Today

At Alpert Schreyer, we believe that everyone accused of a crime is entitled to a zealous and complete defense. We also know that being charged with a crime often creates a financial crisis, as well as a personal one. That’s why we offer free case evaluations to potential clients.

No matter what you are facing, we urge you not to face it alone. At Alpert Schreyer, our experienced DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Frederick, MD will aggressively defend your rights and relentlessly pursue the best available outcome for your case. Don’t let hesitation lead to your conviction. Call us today.