Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services
When faced with criminal charges, your future is on the line. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a serious felony, navigating the criminal justice system can be overwhelming and intimidating. At Maronick Law, LLC, we provide aggressive and compassionate legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Criminal lawyers help individuals who are accused of misdemeanor and felony crimes, including but not limited to harassment, assault, theft, sale of illegal drugs, arson, murder and grand theft. They are capable of helping the person accused of a crime during every stage of the criminal process. Attorneys who practice criminal law know the ins- and-outs of the legal system and can negotiate with prosecutors to arrange plea bargains, lesser sentencing or reduced charges. If the criminal defense team and the prosecutors are unable to reach a settlement, a good criminal defense lawyer will have the experience needed to try the case in a jury trial.
At Maronick Law, LLC, we handle a wide range of criminal cases in Ocean City and throughout Maryland, including but not limited to:
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Drug Offenses
Charges involving possession, distribution, or trafficking of controlled substances.
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Theft Crimes
Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and other theft-related offenses.
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Assault and Violent Crimes
Assault, battery, domestic violence, and related charges.
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Weapons Violations
Illegal possession of firearms or other weapons-related charges.
1. What are the Difference Between Felonies and Misdemeanors?
Crimes categorized as felonies or misdemeanors vary from state to state but in general a felony is a more serious crime and often times carry a harsher punishment. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses.
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Felonies
Crimes such as murder, armed robbery and rape are classified as felonies. Typically a felony charge carries a penalty of more than a year in a state prison. Some states have a 3 strikes law. The three strikes law targets repeat offenders. Individuals who have been charged and found guilty of at least 3 violent crimes or serious felonies may be sentenced to life in prison.
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Misdemeanors
Shoplifting, domestic disputes and assaults are typically considered misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are usually punishable by fines, probation, community service, court supervision or less than a year jail sentence.
2. What are the Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Lawyer?
For someone who has been charged with a criminal offense in , whether it be a felony or misdemeanor, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is extremely beneficial. While the specific duties of a lawyer will vary depending on the specific case, in general a criminal defense lawyer will:
- Advise the Defendant of Their Rights and Explain What to Expect at Each Stage of the Criminal Law Process.
The criminal process can be confusing for those who are not familiar with the legal system. It starts with the arrest of a suspect and moves through booking and bail, arraignment, plea bargains, preliminary hearings, pre-trial motions, jury trial, sentencing and finally appeals. A criminal defense lawyer will walk the defendant through the process step-by-step to make sure their rights are not violated during the process and they will advise the defendant in making decisions throughout the process that will result in the best possible outcome for the case. - Ensure the Defendants Constitutional Rights are Not Violated.
Throughout the criminal process the defendant has other rights guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. These rights include but aren’t limited to:
The right to counsel, even if you cannot afford a lawyer.
The right against self-incrimination.
The right to a speedy trial by jury.
The right not to face the same Criminal Law charges more than once (double jeopardy).
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to explain your rights to you and make sure the legal system does not violate your rights in any way.
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Negotiate a Plea Bargain.
Going to trial in can take weeks or even months and the results are unpredictable. A plea bargain can settle a criminal case quickly and will allow the defense team some control over the outcome of the felony or misdemeanor case. A plea bargain often means that the defendant will receive a lighter sentence for a less-severe charge than might have resulted from taking the case to trial and losing. There are other benefits from accepting a plea bargain including saving money on lawyer fees, getting out of jail if bail cannot be afforded, resolving the case quickly, and having a less-severe offense on a permanent record.
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Investigate Facts and Evidence Related to Each Specific Case.
Often times in criminal cases the facts and evidence obtained by law enforcement are inconclusive. An experienced criminal defense attorney can investigate the facts and evidence related the specific felony or misdemeanor charge(s) and build an effective defense.
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Cross-Examine the States Witnesses.
In the States witnesses are knowledgeable in the courtroom and know exactly what to say and not say during examination. A criminal lawyer also knows the ends-and -outs of the courtroom and will be able to cross-examine government witnesses regarding facts and evidence that work in the defendants favor.
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Object to Improper Questions and Evidence.
During a criminal trial in there are procedures for admitting evidence and standards regarding lines of questioning. A criminal attorney knows this procedure and will be able to object to improper questions or evidence.
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Present Any and all Legal Defenses Relevant to your Criminal Law Case.
In Maryland, many felony and misdemeanor charges have more than one valid defense. An experienced criminal defense attorney, who has reviewed the facts and evidence of a case can build the best defense based for each specific case.