Charles County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Have you been arrested and charged with a crime in Charles County, Maryland? A conviction can have enormous impacts on your life, and it can be overwhelming to navigate the criminal justice system. Talking to an experienced Charles County criminal defense lawyer is essential to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome and protect your reputation.

Reach out to Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. Let us analyze the circumstances of your case and determine the best course of action. Contact us or call (301) 857-4771 for a free consultation today.

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Criminal Case Process in Charles County, MD

During this stressful time, it can be helpful to know what to expect throughout the criminal case process. The steps of the Maryland criminal trial process include:

Arrest and booking;
Initial appearance and bail;
Pretrial motions and discovery;
Plea bargaining;
Jury selection and Trial; and,
Verdict and Sentencing
Appeal (in the event of conviction)

With Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at your side, you’ll have experienced and compassionate legal professionals, including a dedicated Charles County criminal defense attorney, guiding you at every step along the way.

What You Need to Know About Bail in Charles County, MD

At your bail hearing, which typically will occur within 24 hours of your arrest, the judge will decide whether you can be released from jail before your trial. You may be released of your own recognizance (also known as a PR bond) in certain circumstances–for example, if you are a first-time offender accused of a non-violent crime). With a PR bond, you promise to appear at all future court proceedings but do not have to make a cash payment.

In other cases, a bail bond can take one of several forms, including:

A cash bond. A percentage of the bail amount is paid to the court. At the end of the case, the money can be refunded to whoever paid the bail so long as the defendant did not violate any conditions of the bond.
A property bond. The defendant or a family member puts up property that they own instead of cash to cover the bail. If the individual shows up for court and follows all conditions, the property lien is released at the conclusion of the case. Failure to appear or violations can result in the property being seized.
A surety bond. A bond agency (commonly known as a bail bondsman) or a family member guarantees that a person will show up to court and comply with all conditions of release. A bail bondsman charges a nonrefundable fee (typically 10%) to post pail and often requires collateral security or property. At the conclusion of the case, the collateral will be returned to the person who posted it.

Contact our team or visit our website to learn more about Bail in Maryland.

Differences Between Misdemeanors and Felonies in Charles County

In Maryland, there are two major classes of offenses for which a person may be prosecuted: misdemeanors and felonies. Unlike in many other states, in Maryland, the classification of an offense as a felony is determined by common law or by statute, regardless of the penalty that may be imposed.

Examples of misdemeanors include:

DUI
Theft of property up to $1500
2nd-degree assault
Illegal possession of a firearm

The penalty for a misdemeanor varies with the crime and may include incarceration, fines, and probation. While misdemeanors generally carry lesser penalties than felonies, some misdemeanor convictions in Maryland can carry lengthy prison sentences.

Examples of felonies include:

Murder
Sex crimes (including rape, sexual assault, and child pornography)
Carjacking
Aggravated assault

Consequences of Criminal Charges in Charles County

Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor or felony charge, your criminal charge needs to be given full and immediate attention by a criminal defense lawyer. A misdemeanor may be a lesser charge, but it will still show up on a background check unless and until it is expunged (i.e., removed from public view). Whether or not you can have your criminal record expunged depends on both the nature of the crime and the outcome of your case.

A criminal conviction can have a wide range of range of consequences, including:

Limited job prospects
Loss of voting rights while you are imprisoned
Suspension or revocation of your professional license
Limited access to government benefits, such as public housing assistance and federal financial aid
Restriction of your right to possess a firearm

Given the serious long-term consequences of a criminal conviction, it is essential to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Charles County to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.

Courts and Law Enforcement in Charles County, Maryland

In Maryland, both misdemeanor cases and felony cases typically begin in the District Court. Most misdemeanor criminal charges, as well as DUI/DWI charges, are heard in District Court in a bench trial before a District Court Judge. The District Court in Charles County is located at 11 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646.

The State’s Attorney’s Office reviews felony and serious misdemeanor charges to determine whether they should be heard in the District Court or the Circuit Court. As the District Court does not conduct jury trials, a criminal defendant who is entitled to and requests a jury trial will have their case heard in Circuit Court. The Circuit Court in Charles County is located at 200 Charles St, La Plata, MD 20646.

The team at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys has plenty of experience working with the Charles County District Court and Circuit Court.

During criminal defense proceedings, we will almost certainly be in contact with the local law enforcement who investigated, questioned, and arrested you. In Charles County, we frequently work with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, which is located at 6915 Crain Highway, PO Box 189, La Plata, MD 20646.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help People Facing Criminal Charges in Charles County

Our criminal defense team at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys have more than 125 years of experience fighting for our clients in Maryland courts. Our team is led by Andrew D. Alpert, a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association as well as a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. Our lawyers have received a Superb rating on Avvo and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

We have successfully defended clients with many different types of criminal charges. Among the criminal charges we can help you with are:

When you are facing serious criminal charges, we can provide the defense you need to protect your freedom, your finances, and your livelihood. We will gather facts and evidence, investigate the case against you, and analyze the state’s case, all the while advocating vigorously on your behalf.

Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys will use our extensive scientific and legal training to develop a defense that is carefully tailored to your situation. Our Charles County criminal defense attorneys are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges or reach a plea deal that is in your best interest. If going to trial is necessary, we will use every resource at our disposal to challenge the prosecution’s case, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence in your favor.

Get a Criminal Attorney Who Believes in You. The Right Defense Can Make All the Difference.

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime, you need a lawyer who is willing and able to put every bit of their energy into your defense. With over 125 years of criminal defense experience, Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys know how you’re feeling and know what you’re up against.

When you meet with one of our attorneys, the first thing we will want to know is what happened from your point of view. We are working to protect you and your interests, so it’s important for you to answer all of our questions truthfully, even if it feels awkward or embarrassing. Failure to reveal something could have a significant impact on the strategy we develop to defend you.

Next, we will spend as much time as necessary to analyze your situation and discuss the potential outcomes of the case. You never have to worry about us sugarcoating things, and we will always provide an honest and realistic assessment of your case.

Contact Our Charles County Criminal Defense Lawyers for a Free Consultation

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and frightened after you are arrested for a misdemeanor or felony. Luckily, you don’t have to go through this challenging time on your own. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime in Charles County, MD, Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help. We will evaluate your case and advise you on what to do next. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Charles County criminal defense lawyer to learn more about your options.