Glen Burnie Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing charges for an alleged criminal offense in Glen Burnie, the uncertainty could feel overwhelming. You likely have very little information provided by the officers. If you have questions about what an arrest means for you, an experienced criminal defense attorney could have the answers.
Criminal charges could come in many different forms. Misdemeanors are the less-severe charges, while felonies carry the steepest penalties. Regardless of the type of criminal charge, a conviction could have a significant impact on your life. To discuss your options for fighting back against your charges, contact a Glen Burnie criminal lawyer right away.
Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor charges in Glen Burnie carry the shortest range of punishments. In most states, incarceration on a misdemeanor conviction is capped at a maximum of one year in jail. That is not the case in Glen Burnie. While some misdemeanor charges carry at most 90 days in jail, the most severe penalties for a misdemeanor conviction are ten years of imprisonment. This is significantly higher than the maximum penalties for a misdemeanor in most other states.
In addition to jail time, monetary fines are also a factor in most misdemeanor convictions. Like with jail time, the potential fines following a conviction vary significantly from one charge to another. These fines typically run between $500 and $5,000.
One of the reasons the penalties under state law are more severe than other jurisdictions results from the way the state classifies misdemeanors. Many charges that are felonies in other states are classified as misdemeanors in Glen Burnie. Common misdemeanor charges include:
- Harassment
- Theft of Property worth less than $1,000
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Stalking
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Second-degree assault
- DUI
Given the potential for a lengthy jail sentence upon conviction, it is never in a person’s best interest to represent themselves on misdemeanor charges. An experienced Glen Burnie criminal attorney could help that person fight to have those charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Felony Charges
While misdemeanor charges could have major consequences, many cases result in little to no time behind bars. Felony cases are more serious, given that convictions typically result in some form of a prison sentence. In fact, all felony charges have the potential for at least one year in state prison. While the minimum prison sentence is one year, the maximum in the most serious cases could lead to a life sentence. In addition to jail time, a conviction could also lead to community service and fines.
Collateral Consequences for a Felony Conviction
While the penalties prescribed by statute are steep, a felony conviction could also lead to collateral consequences. These consequences are not penalties written into the criminal code, but they are common issues most people convicted of a felony endure. These consequences include:
- Losing the right to vote
- Losing the right to own a firearm
- Difficulty finding employment
- Difficulty maintaining housing
- Impact on custody rights
For some, the collateral consequences of a conviction could be more costly than a jail sentence. A Glen Burnie criminal attorney could help their clients prevail at trial and avoid these consequences entirely.
Contact a Glen Burnie Criminal Attorney Right Away
When it comes to criminal charges, you should never have to take on the prosecutor alone. The state has the full weight of law enforcement at their disposal, but you could possess your own support team as well.
With the guidance of a Glen Burnie criminal lawyer, you could improve your odds of an acquittal at trial. To discuss your defense strategy, call today and schedule your initial consultation.