St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Were you or a loved one charged with a criminal offense in St. Mary’s County, MD? It’s critical that you take the allegations against you seriously. You could be facing significant jail time, financial penalties, and a criminal record that may impact your future. An experienced St. Mary’s County criminal defense lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you build a strong legal defense.

Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in criminal defense law. We can help you effectively navigate the criminal justice system. If you have been charged with a crime, you need to have an experienced attorney on your side.

We know this is a difficult time, but an arrest is not a conviction. You don’t have to handle things alone. By hiring an experienced attorney, you can reduce your stress and make the legal process more manageable for yourself and your loved ones. Contact our law firm in St. Mary’s County, Maryland at (301) 262-7005 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.

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Why Should I Hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys If I’m Facing Criminal Charges in St. Mary’s County, MD?

Working with an experienced attorney is always critical if you’re facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. An experienced St. Mary’s County criminal defense attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that your case is handled properly.

When you choose to work with Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, you’re hiring a board-certified defense team. We’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success at jury trials, and we know how to fight for you when it matters most.

Hiring us means you’ll have a legal team who will:

Launch a thorough investigation into the alleged crime
Communicate with you throughout every stage of the legal process
Enlist respected experts to testify about complex aspects of your case
Identify weaknesses in the state’s case against you
Negotiate behind the scenes to secure reduced charges
Handle all communications with the police and prosecutors
Help you evaluate the fairness of any plea agreement
Build the strongest defense strategy possible

Our lawyers aren’t afraid to take your case to trial and argue before a judge and a jury if necessary. We’ll never pressure you to accept an unfair plea bargain. It’s critical to begin working with an attorney as soon as possible, so give us a call today to schedule your free consultation.

We Handle Many Different Types of Criminal Defense Cases in St. Mary’s County, Maryland

Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys is a full-service criminal defense law firm. We have the skills to represent individuals in all types of criminal charges and decades of experience successfully fighting to help clients get the best possible outcomes.

Some examples of our practice areas in St. Mary’s County include:

DUI

Courts in Maryland take DUI charges very seriously. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may face fines, jail time, and additional penalties. First-time offenders in Maryland can face a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. Additional penalties include points on your driver’s license, license suspension, and participation in drug and alcohol abuse programs.

Having an experienced defense attorney in your corner is important if you were arrested on DUI charges. Our St. Mary’s County DUI lawyers handle DUI cases on a regular basis. We know how to build a strong defense for you. We can even get your charges downgraded or your case dismissed.

Drug Crimes

Without a valid prescription, possession of any drug other than marijuana is a crime in Maryland. Under Maryland law, you can even face criminal charges if you have too much marijuana in your possession. The severity of the charge will depend on the type and weight of the drugs in your possession.

You could face misdemeanor or felony charges for drug crimes. Our St. Mary’s County drug crimes attorneys handle all types of drug charges, including drug possession, drug distribution, drug manufacturing, or possession of drug paraphernalia. If you are facing a drug charge, contact our law office to arrange a confidential consultation with a lawyer who can help you minimize the fallout.

Sex Crimes

Charges involving sex crimes are incredibly serious. Even the mere allegation that you committed a sex crime can have a severe impact on your reputation and your relationships. Conviction can lead to lengthy prison sentences and even registration on the sex offender registry.

Whether you were charged with sexual assault, prostitution, indecent exposure, or failure to register as a sex offender, our lawyers know how to help. Contact our St. Mary’s County sex crimes attorneys today to learn more about how we can fight to clear your name.

Domestic Violence

Police and prosecutors take domestic violence charges very seriously. If you’re accused of domestic violence, you could find yourself subject to a restraining order before you even have a chance to defend yourself. The severity of the penalty will depend on the nature of the charges.

For example, based on Maryland’s sentencing guidelines, the following penalties could apply:

Stalking: up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine
First-degree felony assault: up to 25 years in prison
First-degree rape: up to life in prison

If you were accused of domestic violence, you shouldn’t wait to seek legal advice. You’ll want to have an experienced lawyer on your side as quickly as possible. Contact our St. Mary’s County domestic violence attorneys today so that we can start building your case.

Assault

If you were arrested on assault charges, you’re probably feeling confused and overwhelmed. Remember that it isn’t always easy for prosecutors to prove you committed assault beyond a reasonable doubt. Our experienced St. Mary’s County assault attorneys can build the vigorous defense you deserve.

We’ll interview witnesses, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and do everything in our power to build the strongest legal defense strategy possible. Call our St. Mary’s County assault lawyers today to learn more about how we can fight to protect your freedom and maximize your opportunities for the future.

Gun Charges

Maryland gun laws are stringent. Don’t take the allegations lightly if you were arrested on gun charges. Remember that you don’t have to sit back and let the prosecution win without a fight. Many gun charges involve violations of an individual’s constitutional rights.

Gun possession can also be used to aggravate other criminal charges. If you’re facing gun charges, our St. Mary’s County gun charges lawyers will put our decades of legal experience to work for you. Reach out today so that we can start protecting your legal rights.

Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile crimes refer to illegal acts committed by individuals under the age of 18. The offenses can range from minor infractions to serious criminal behavior. Unlike the adult system, the juvenile system is geared toward rehabilitation and guidance rather than solely punishing juveniles for the crimes they commit.

Multiple factors can contribute to these crimes, including:

Family issues
Peer pressure
Socioeconomic factors
Mental health issues
Substance abuse

If you are facing these charges, reach out to a St. Mary’s County juvenile crimes attorney today to schedule a free consultation.

While Collar Crimes

Many suspects in white collar cases are notified that they’re under investigation before any charges are filed. You should never attempt to speak with law enforcement before consulting a St. Mary’s County white collar crimes attorney. White collar cases are unique and complicated.

Our lawyers have experience handling all types of white collar cases, including cases involving:

Bankruptcy fraud
Bribery
Credit card fraud
Embezzlement
Identity theft
Insider trading
Insurance fraud
Investment schemes
Kickbacks
Money laundering
Mortgage fraud
Securities fraud
Tax evasion or tax fraud

We have the resources to build the strongest possible defense. If you’re subject to investigation or have been charged with a crime, contact us today so we can protect you.

Additional Examples of Our Practice Areas

Our attorneys also handle cases involving:

Computer crimes
Disorderly conduct
Harassment
Expungements and record sealing
Theft crimes
Restraining orders
Probation or parole violations
Violation of stay-at-home orders
Child abuse
Burglary
Robbery
Violent crimes
Vehicular manslaughter
Homicide

If you’re facing criminal charges, contact our attorneys today. Hiring a skilled attorney can help you achieve a favorable outcome. We understand the law and the criminal justice system, and we’re more than ready to put our skills to work in your case.

What Is the Maryland Criminal Process?

The criminal process in St. Mary’s County, Maryland typically involves the following steps:

Arrest: Suspects may be taken into custody and booked at the police station.
Grand Juries: Typically, the police must decide whether to charge a suspect with a crime. However, a grand jury may also be convened to review the evidence and determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Preliminary Hearings: Preliminary hearings occur in district court. The judge will listen to the evidence and determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to circuit court. In felony cases, defendants always have the right to a preliminary hearing.
Arraignment: An arraignment is a type of hearing where a suspect appears in court and is informed about the charges against them.
Bail Hearing: After the arraignment, the judge will evaluate the facts and determine whether bail is appropriate. Defendants in Maryland have the right to a bail hearing within 24 hours. If bail is set and paid, the suspect is released from custody.
Summons: The suspect must be formally notified of the charges and appear in court at a specific date and time.
Status Conference: The state’s attorney and defense attorneys will meet to negotiate various elements, including hearing and trial dates.
Trial: If negotiations are unsuccessful, the suspect will appear for a trial.
Sentencing: If a suspect is convicted, the judge will determine their sentence, considering the defendant’s criminal history, the nature of the crime, and any other relevant factors.

It’s also possible that you could be subject to an investigation before you’re arrested, which is an important part of the criminal process. Even if you haven’t been charged, a lawyer can provide critical legal guidance during this stage. With an experienced defense lawyer behind you, it’s possible that charges may never be filed in your case.

Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Being charged with a crime is always a serious matter. That’s particularly true when the police and prosecutors seem certain they have the evidence to convict you. Throughout the entirety of the legal process, you are entitled to exercise your legal rights. Knowing how to use them skillfully requires legal expertise.

When you have an experienced defense attorney, you can benefit because they will:

Investigate and locate evidence to build a custom-tailored defense that’s most effective in your case
Make sure you understand all of your legal options and rights
Ensure the police and prosecutors respect your legal rights at every stage of the criminal process
Identify any mitigating factors that can be used to reduce the charges against you
Negotiate with prosecutors behind the scenes to have your charges downgraded or your case dismissed if possible
Work tirelessly to secure a not guilty verdict at trial if a trial becomes necessary

Every criminal charge in Maryland has specific and detailed elements. The prosecutor must prove every element of your case beyond a reasonable doubt. Experienced criminal defense lawyers understand these laws and know how to make it as difficult as possible for the prosecution to prove their case.

Should I Hire A Lawyer If I’m Innocent?

If you’ve been accused of committing a crime, you will want to have an experienced lawyer by your side. Maryland prosecutors charge innocent people with crimes all the time. While they must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, navigating the criminal process alone can be incredibly difficult.

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into your case. We’ll listen to your story and search for exculpatory evidence to prove your innocence. We’ll prepare a compelling defense and work to ensure that your innocence is recognized. Allegations that you committed a crime can be damaging, so it’s important to have a lawyer working to clear your name.

How Does a St. Mary’s County Defense Lawyer Investigate a Criminal Case?

Most criminal defense lawyers begin by reviewing the prosecution’s evidence. Your lawyer will begin by requesting discovery, meaning that the prosecutor will be required to turn over any evidence they have against you. Experienced lawyers know how to find flaws or inconsistencies with the state’s evidence.

Experienced lawyers also work with investigators to conduct their own investigations. They’ll interview witnesses and review how the police handled the evidence in their case. Your attorney may also consult experts in various specialties, such as forensics, ballistics, psychology, and other relevant fields.

Can I Get Arrested If the Police Don’t Have an Arrest Warrant?

Yes. Police officers in Maryland have the right to arrest someone without a warrant if:

That person commits a felony or misdemeanor when the police are present or within their view
The arresting officer has probable cause to believe that someone within their view is committing a felony or misdemeanor
The police officer has probable cause to believe that someone has attempted or committed a felony, regardless of whether the police officer was present at the time

“Probable cause” is the legal standard. It generally means the officer has reason to believe the crime has been attempted or committed. They must have enough evidence that a reasonable person would have believed the suspect committed a crime.

When “probable cause” exists, the police have the right to take additional action, such as searching or arresting someone.

Can Police Conduct a Search Without a Warrant?

Police in Maryland can only conduct a search without a warrant under certain specified circumstances. Remember that you are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment.

Circumstances under which a warrantless search is permitted include:

Probable Cause: If police have probable cause to believe that a search will uncover evidence about a crime, they can conduct the search. Most often, this occurs during traffic stops.
Plain View: When police can see evidence about a crime in plain view, they can seize it without a warrant.
During a Lawful Arrest: When police arrest someone, they can search them without a warrant.
Permission: You can also give police permission to search your person, vehicle, home, or business. Evidence uncovered can be used even if the police didn’t have a warrant

Police may also be able to use evidence found during a warrantless search if that search was conducted while an urgent threat of danger existed.

What’s the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

The difference between misdemeanors and felonies lies in the severity of the punishment upon conviction.

In Maryland, a felony is any criminal charge that can result in one year or more in prison. Most violent crimes are felonies. Certain white collar crimes, drug charges, theft crimes, and gun charges can also be charged as felonies.

Felony convictions have consequences that extend far beyond a prison sentence. Convicted felons often lose their right to vote or own firearms. Felonies often must be disclosed when you’re applying for a job or trying to find housing. A felony conviction can also result in the loss of certain professional licenses.

Misdemeanor charges are reserved for less serious crimes. DUIs, traffic offenses, harassment, and certain assault charges can be misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail. Most misdemeanor convictions can also result in financial penalties, loss of driver’s license, loss of professional licenses, and loss of the ability to run for public office.

What is Bail?

Bail is the money that a defendant pays to be released from police custody. Bail is set to guarantee that defendants will appear in court when ordered. If a defendant fails to appear in court, their bail will be forfeited. A warrant will also be issued for their arrest.

Typically, bail is denied in cases where a defendant is deemed to be a flight risk.

What’s a Plea Bargain? Should I Accept a Deal?

Most criminal cases are resolved by negotiating a plea deal with state prosecutors. When you accept a plea bargain, you admit that you’re guilty in exchange for a lesser punishment. Plea bargains allow prosecutors to resolve cases and win guilty verdicts without the need for a lengthy and unpredictable trial.

Unfortunately, plea offers aren’t always fair. Most defendants don’t have a full understanding of the criminal laws in Maryland. It’s crucial to have an experienced attorney review the terms of any plea offer before you accept it. Remember, you’re admitting that you committed a crime when you take a plea deal.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Arrested for a Criminal Offense in St. Mary’s County?

You should remain calm. Be polite and inform the arresting officers that you would like to exercise your right to remain silent.

You do not have to answer questions without a lawyer present. Exercising your right to remain silent will not make you look guilty. Suspects without legal representation often make statements that are used against them.

Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately, or have a loved one contact one on your behalf. An experienced attorney can protect your legal rights and sign documents on your behalf. They can also advise you on how to best interact with law enforcement in order to protect your legal interests.

Contact Our Experienced St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyers For Legal Help

You may feel helpless if you were arrested and are facing criminal charges. Many defendants feel like there is nothing they can do. An experienced St. Mary’s County criminal defense lawyer can help you. You have rights, and the legal team at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys has the tools to protect them.

Prosecutors don’t always have the strong evidence they claim to possess. When your rights have been violated, a lawyer can file a motion to have evidence excluded. We may also be able to challenge witness credibility or the handling of evidence. Regardless of your circumstances, we can defend you effectively.