Criminal Offenses Attorney MD

Criminal Law in Maryland can Be Complicated

Criminal Offenses Attorney MD

If you are accused of a crime in Maryland and conviction includes the possibility of prison time, the court must allow you the opportunity to retain legal representation from a criminal offenses attorney MD offers. Depending on your financial circumstances, you may qualify for a court-appointed public defender; otherwise, your choices are representing yourself (which has a low success rate) or hiring your own private criminal offenses attorney in Maryland.

Even if you qualify for a public defender, it may be in your interest to hire your own MD criminal offenses attorney. Public defenders’ offices may be overworked and understaffed. For this reason, the office may switch the attorney assigned to you in the middle of the case, and you may not receive adequate representation. A private criminal offenses attorney in MD can incur a significant cost, but he or she is invested in helping you get the best possible result.

How to Find a Private Criminal Offenses Attorney in MD

If you have family or friends who have required the services of an MD criminal offenses attorney in the past, it may be helpful to ask for a referral. However, if you want to keep the matter of your criminal charges private, this is not your best option.

The internet can be a useful tool in finding a criminal offenses attorney. However, rather than just doing a generic search for criminal offenses lawyers in your area, you may first want to turn to official sources like the website for your state bar association or professional organizations in the vicinity. These websites are likely to list only reputable attorneys in good standing. Many have a search tool that allows you to find exactly the type of lawyer you need to handle your case.

What to Look for in an MD Criminal Offenses Attorney

Before hiring a lawyer, you should double-check to make sure that he or she hands criminal cases rather than just civil law. Occasionally, especially in a small community, you may find a lawyer that handles both.

A major factor in deciding which attorney to hire may be the cost. You should ask about fees upfront and if there is any sort of payment plan available.

Attorneys who handle criminal cases often narrow down their focus to specific types of cases. For example, some may handle cases involving financial crimes, while others may address violent offenses. Because of the complexity of the law, it is entirely appropriate to ask a lawyer if he or she has experience with your particular type of case.

Finally, it is to your advantage to find an attorney with experience practicing in your geographical vicinity. Not only will he or she be familiar with the local laws but also with the procedures in place in the particular court, which can be to your advantage.

More Than 75 Years of Combined Experience on Your Side

The Law Firm Of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. — Quality Representation Of Your Rights, Personal Approach To Your Problems

Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., attorneys use their more than 75 years of combined experience to help you after a serious injury in an accident caused by negligence, an arrest for a serious criminal offense, or DUI charges that could endanger your driving privileges.

The firm’s accomplished, attentive personal injury practice works hard to repair the broken lives of innocent motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians injured in accidents caused by negligence.

We also offer an outstanding criminal defense practice that protects the rights of persons arrested for serious offenses ranging from violent crimes to sex crimes.

Our many satisfied clients have appreciated our firm-wide dedication to in-depth investigation, thorough case preparation, responsiveness to your goals, and the proven ability to negotiate or litigate positive outcomes. Our demonstrated talents are exceeded only by our commitment to one-on-one personal service during every phase of the legal process.

Get Your Questions Answered

When you are facing criminal offense charges, you may have many questions and you may not be sure of where you can find a safe place to answer them. When you choose to call us and work with a member of our team as your criminal offense attorney, we will be here to guide you through your charges and answer any questions you may have. Are you interested in learning more about what a criminal offenses attorney can do for your case? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We care about getting you the help you need for a fair trial. 

What Are the Differences Between Felonies and Misdemeanors?

In the criminal justice system, getting slapped with a misdemeanor charge is less serious than a felony charge. Typically, felony convictions mean you will spend a longer period of time in jail, you may have higher fines, and it will look worse when someone does a background check on you. 

Is Probation the Same Thing as Parole?

These are not the same. Typically, if a judge offers you probation, this will be instead of going to prison. A judge may give you certain terms that you need to follow and in return, you will not go to jail. Parole, on the other hand, happens when a person is already in jail. While you may have been convicted of a crime and sent to jail, a judge may say that you can finish your time outside of jail and follow certain rules. 

What’s the Next Step After Hiring an Attorney?

After you have found a criminal offenses attorney in Maryland, they will help guide you through the next steps. They may wish to examine the evidence that is already being brought against you, whether speaking with the police is the right move, or whether they need to conduct further investigations.

Should I Still Hire an Attorney if I Am Only Being Accused of a Crime?

Many people fall into the trap of not hiring an attorney when they are being accused of a crime. Just because no charges have been filed yet does not mean you are in the clear. When something this serious happens, you want to protect yourself as much as possible and that means working with an attorney as quickly as you can. They can help you avoid interviews that could be damaging to your testimony and they can begin preparing your case so that you are not taken by surprise.

Our skilled Washington, D.C., personal injury, criminal law, and DUI defense law offices serve clients in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Learn more about our knowledgeable team of lawyers by clicking on the links below:

Stephen F. Brennwald

Frederick J. Brynn

Contact our office today for more information. Hiring a criminal offenses attorney Maryland clients recommend from The Law Firm Of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. may be one of the most important decisions you ever make in your life.

What should I do if I’ve been arrested?

Don’t say anything at all until you have spoken with your criminal offenses attorney in MD . Your speech can be used against you as evidence of guilt, so it’s important not to talk about what happened prior to speaking with one. In fact, use this time by planning out any questions for him or her before meeting face-to-face. Being prepared can make the difference between a successful case and a difficult one.

Will my criminal offenses attorney be able to keep me from going to jail?

That depends on the severity of the charge, your prior criminal record, and other factors. Generally speaking, though, most criminal offenses attorneys will do everything they can to help you avoid jail time. However, it’s important to remember that no guarantees can ever be made in these situations.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

Misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of $5000. Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious crimes punishable by over one year in prison or a large monetary fine. Some felonies also carry the possibility of life imprisonment.

Can a criminal offenses attorney help me if I’ve been accused of domestic violence?

Yes, your criminal offenses attorney in MD should be able to help you with this type of charge. Domestic cases are especially complicated and require close attention so that mistakes are not made which could cause more problems for you down the road. A good criminal offenses attorney in MD will have experience in handling these types of situations, so he or she can ensure your rights aren’t violated and guide you through every step of the process from start (arrest) to finish (appeal).

What is probation?

Probation is when an offender serves time outside the prison as long as they obey certain rules established by their judge such as regularly checking in with his/her court officer, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and/or attending counseling. If the person on probation violates any of these rules, they may be sent back to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence.

My loved one has been arrested – what should I do?

The best thing you can do is remain calm and start gathering information. This includes finding a criminal offenses attorney for your loved one, as well as doing some research into the arrest itself (was there a warrant?). You’ll also want to begin compiling any evidence that could be helpful in court. Remember: the sooner you take action, the better chance you have of getting your loved one released from jail or reducing their charges.

You deserve justice – not just because it’s right, but also because it could be the difference between freedom and incarceration. Don’t let yourself or someone you love to become another statistic – fight back against false accusations by hiring the Law Firm Of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C as your criminal offenses attorney today!

5 Myths About the Legal Process

If you or someone you care about gets arrested, charged, and faces trial, you may encounter many myths concerning a criminal offenses attorney in MD. You may hear unhelpful advice or even inaccurate information. You need to know the truth about modern law. Here are five myths about today’s legal process.

  1. The arresting officer did not read your rights to you, so the case will automatically be dismissed. This myth is based on television programs starting with “Dragnet.” Miranda Rights, created in 1966 and based on a Supreme Court ruling, are only applicable in custodial cases where a person is being held in custody and interviewed by police. Getting arrested does not automatically activate a legal requirement for the Miranda warning. This warning lets a suspect know they have a legal right to stay silent and acquire a lawyer to work on their behalf. 
  2. Wait to ask for a plea deal on the day of trial, when it will become more generous. This idea is not true in most cases. The best time to submit a plea offer is at the final case review. This is after the first case review and about one week before the trial takes place. A criminal offenses attorney in MD understands that after the final case review, prosecutors are responsible for finding witnesses and issuing subpoenas. They are less likely to negotiate a plea offer at this stage. In addition, there is a policy that does not allow for pleas lowering offenses to be made on the trial day. 
  3. The victim is sure to drop charges, so the case will have to be dismissed. This idea is prevalent in domestic assault cases. However, this myth does not take into account that the victim neither presses charges nor decides if the case moves forward or not. The Attorney General presses charges, and the prosecutor decides whether or not a case progresses, even if the victim backs away from it. A criminal offenses attorney in MD understands the nuances of the law and will offer helpful advice as well as work to prepare a defense. 
  4. Go to trial, and do an appeal if you lose. An appeal is a petition to a higher court, usually a state supreme court. It is not a new, fresh trial. When appeals are taken, only about 5% lead to new trials for defendants. Should you get an appeal, higher courts do not dismiss cases. They hear them again. The best choice is to hire a criminal offenses attorney in MD right away, and do not refuse to take a plea in favor of going to trial. 
  5. A co-defendant is pleading guilty, so your charges will be dismissed. This idea is often encountered in gun and drug cases where possession is in question. However, as a criminal offenses attorney in MD can tell you, possession may be considered joint, even if a co-defendant claims to own the firearms or substances. You may still be considered as having “knowing possession,” and only a jury can decide this during the trial.

The legal system can be complicated. Choosing to work with attorneys from the Law Firm of  Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., helps you navigate the twists and turns of modern law.

5 MYTHS ABOUT THE LEGAL PROCESS INFOGRAPHIC

5 MYTHS ABOUT THE LEGAL PROCESS INFOGRAPHIC

Process of Criminal Trials

When a person is arrested and charged with a crime in Maryland, the whole experience produces anxiety and uncertainty, especially if a conviction could mean possible jail time. It is important, however, for anyone facing criminal charges to understand all of their legal options, including building a strong defense against the charges. This is where a criminal offenses attorney Maryland clients trust can use their skill and expertise in the criminal justice system.

While pleading guilty or taking the first plea deal offer the prosecution makes may feel like the easiest and best way out, it is important to discuss with your attorney just what type of defense can be made against the crime you have been charged with and what the chances of an acquittal may be. If your attorney recommends going to trial, knowing what to expect can help make the whole process less intimidating.

The first phase of a criminal trial begins with the jury trial. This is where a pool of potential jurors will be asked a series of questions by both the prosecutor and your MD criminal offense attorney. These questions will help determine if an individual will be able to render a fair and impartial verdict.

Once a jury has been seated, then each side will give their opening statements. After this has been completed, both sides will present their case by calling witnesses and presenting evidence. The prosecution will present their case first. When the prosecutor is done questioning their witness, the defense has the option of cross-examination. When the prosecutor has “rested” their case, the defense will then present their witnesses and evidence. The prosecutor also is able to cross-examine each of the defense witnesses.  

Once all the witnesses have been questioned and all the evidence presented, each side will then give their closing arguments, pointing out how they have proven their case or disprove the other side’s case.

After closing arguments, the judge will give the jury instructions, including the legal standards that need to be met in order to find the defendant guilty. The jury will then begin deliberations. Before deliberations begin, they will pick a jury foreperson. That person is usually the one who is in charge of any communication – such as questions the jury may have – that need to be sent to the judge. At some point, the jury will take a final vote. In order for a verdict to be valid, the jury must reach a unanimous decision of either the defendant’s guilt or innocence.

Your Right to Remain Silent

When you have been charged with a crime, it is important that you understand what your rights are when you are with the police. The arresting officers must tell you what your rights are, including that you have the right to remain silent. This means that if you decide you want to wait for an attorney to get there before answering the questions police are asking, you can invoke the Fifth Amendment. Even if you are concerned that this may make you look guilty if you do not answer the questions, the truth is that the police officers (and the prosecution) cannot use your silence against you. 

What Should You Do to Make Sure You Invoke the Right to Stay Silent?

If you want to invoke the right to stay silent when you are being questioned, the best thing to say is that you are invoking the Fifth Amendment or that you are invoking the right to remain silent until you can speak with your attorney. While it is true that your silence cannot incriminate you when you invoke this right, simply remaining silent does not do anything and it could be used against you.

What Happens if the Arresting Officers Do Not Read Your Miranda Rights?

These rights are important because they are supposed to let the person being questioned know that they have certain rights, including that they: 

  • Can remain silent and not incriminate themselves
  • That what you do say can be used against you if you go to court
  • That you are allowed to have a lawyer present when the officers are questioning you
  • That an attorney can be appointed to you if you are unable to afford one

Getting Legal Help From a Trusted Attorney

For the most part, if the arresting officers do not read you your Miranda rights, they may not be able to use any information they gather from you when it comes to a trial. Further, if the police officers coerced you or threatened you in any way in order to get a statement, this could mean that the statement you made is inadmissible in court. If you are unsure of whether you should say anything to the police, if you would like to invoke your right to a lawyer, or if you believe a statement you made was because you were being threatened, you should speak with your attorney as quickly as possible. 

The Advantages of Hiring a Criminal Offenses Attorney

People often assume an MD criminal offense attorney is automatically prepped and ready for cases. While all professional attorneys have a strong knowledge of the foundational principles of law, each case is different. An attorney needs to understand the uniqueness of a case in order to frame it within the confines of the law and provide their client with the best defense possible. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the critical role that a defense attorney plays in whether or not a defendant is found guilty or not guilty. Even an innocent person can end up in jail if they do not have a qualified and experienced attorney representing them and protecting their constitutional rights during the criminal justice process.

The following are just some of the reasons why you need a criminal offense attorney if you have been charged with a crime.

Knowledge of the Legal System

The criminal justice system is complex. It is also always changing, with new laws being passed by lawmakers and new case laws being made by federal and state appeals courts. A skilled MD criminal offense attorney has spent years honing their legal knowledge and skills. This journey begins with years of education, law school, and passing the bar exam. The attorney you choose should have extensive experience in handling criminal law cases. Do not choose an attorney who does not specialize in criminal law. You would not go to a dermatologist if you were having heart issues – you would go to a cardiologist. If you have been charged with a crime, do not go to a divorce lawyer – go to a criminal offense attorney.

Experience with Prosecutors and Judges

When looking for a criminal offense lawyer, be sure to find one with extensive trial experience. The best attorneys have significant courtroom exposure. The time they spend in the courthouse provides opportunities to see and deal with prosecutors and judges – the same ones who may be in charge of your case. A skilled attorney has also built positive relationships with those prosecutors, and this can enhance his or her ability to work out a plea deal if that is in your best interest.

Resources to Prove Your Case

When you retain an attorney from a seasoned law firm, you are receiving not only a qualified attorney but a team of legal experts. The team will often include paralegals, researchers, investigators, and secondary lawyers, depending on the case. The larger the team, the more likely you will find a more favorable result.

Remember, your MD criminal offense attorney is your legal advocate. They are devoted to your defense and to making sure you understand it. If you are facing criminal charges, call The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to find out how we can help defend you against these charges.

Begin Building Your Defense Today

A criminal conviction can have severe ramifications on a person’s future and their freedom so it’s important to do all you can to ensure your rights are protected. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, contact The Law Firm Of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation with a criminal offenses attorney MD to find out how we can help.

How a Criminal Conviction Can Impact Your Life

When you’re facing a criminal charge, it’s imperative to find a criminal offense attorney in MD. Individuals accused of crimes usually focus on staying out of jail and feel tremendous relief when they manage to avoid this outcome. Unfortunately, they fail to recognize that a criminal conviction can lead to other complications, whether they serve jail time.

Will a Criminal Conviction Remain in the Public Record?

A criminal conviction can remain in the public record indefinitely, though not necessarily for first-time offenders. A person who seeks to expunge or seal a record of a criminal conviction must:

  • File a petition
  • Appear in court
  • Serve a waiting period
  • Avoid new offenses
  • Pay an administrative fee

How Can a Criminal Conviction Complicate Someone’s Life?

Many people do not realize the extent of the difficulties a criminal conviction can cause. Others do not have the necessary resources to pay expungement fees and must deal with various consequences.

Difficulty Securing Employment 

Many employers will not consider job applicants with prior criminal convictions. They may worry that these applicants are dishonest and want to avoid being a target of potential illegal activity. This determination frequently leaves individuals with criminal histories with few job prospects.

Inability To Borrow Money

Many lending institutions will not extend loans to individuals with criminal convictions. When people spend time in jail, the ensuing damage to their credit rating is a leading reason banks may turn down their requests to borrow money.

As you can see so far, having a criminal conviction has economic consequences that can substantially alter your life. Having a criminal offense attorney in Maryland can mitigate your risk of ending up in these types of situations.

Disqualification From Public Office

Candidates for political office must prepare to have their backgrounds on display. Criminal convictions will always become fodder that opponents can use to eliminate other candidates from the voters’ consideration. 

Exclusion From Child Adoption or Custody

Background checks are a critical part of the process that determines people’s suitability to adopt children. The court system will not permit someone who may potentially endanger a child’s welfare to take part in the adoption process. A criminal conviction for violent behavior can also negatively impact a parent’s ability to retain custody of a child.

Inability To Rent an Apartment

Landlords seek tenants who will not complicate their lives and usually perform a background check for everyone wishing to rent one of their apartments. A landlord who discovers a prospective tenant’s prior criminal conviction will quickly lose interest in offering that person a lease. Finding housing can be challenging for someone with a criminal history.

Contact Brynn Law Today!

With over 75 years of combined experience on your side, our law firm can help you after a serious criminal offense, ranging from violent crimes to sex crimes. Our experienced and tenacious criminal defense attorneys will fight to protect your rights. If a prior criminal conviction keeps you from moving on with your life, speak with a Brynn Law criminal offense attorney in MD who can help you put your past behind you.

Criminal Offenses Attorney MD

If you or a family member are facing a criminal charge then it is in your best interest to find a criminal offenses attorney in MD to help you. The team here at Brynn Law has the experience to handle serious criminal offenses in a vast range. The real question is what do you look for in an attorney? There are many things to worry about when you are faced with a criminal charge and finding a good attorney shouldn’t make your life harder. 

Considerations When Choosing a Criminal Offenses Attorney

No matter what the crime is, you have to find the right attorney for you. If you don’t get along with your attorney then how do expect your case to go? Probably not very well. Read on to learn what your attorney should have. 

Specializes in Criminal Offenses

You need an attorney who specializes in this field. The best chance for your case is to have an attorney that knows this field inside and out. This means you shouldn’t turn to the lawyer who helped you make a claim after an injury accident. Just because someone says they can, doesn’t mean they can do it well. Always ask if they are specialized in criminal offenses and if that is their whole practice. 

Criminal Law is Localized

Unlike other kinds of lawyers who can handle cases that cover a wide range across a broad geographical location, a criminal offense attorney is more localized. They should have experience in the local courts and know the judges in your area. The laws are localized and can vary from court to court or even from county to county. 

Clear Communication

What is more important than helping you protect your rights? You need someone who is going to communicate with you without using complex terms or legal jargon to make things confusing. They will explain your case to you and help you understand your options without making things confusing. Not only that, they will communicate with you in a timely manner. They won’t leave you waiting for days without communication. 

Individualized Attention

Your case is important to you, and that is going to make it important to your attorney. You should feel comfortable communicating with your attorney since that can impact how he or she will represent you. Remember, you and your attorney are going to have to act as partners in protecting your legal rights, so you should be on the same page.  If your attorney is dictating how your case should be without consulting you about how you feel then that isn’t a good match. Your feelings matter in these cases and a good attorney knows that. 

When it comes to finding a criminal offenses attorney in MD you can turn to Brynn Law for all your needs. With over 75 years of experience you know we can handle anything that comes out way.

5 Steps To Take If You Have Been Charged With a Felony

1. Don’t Talk to the Police

The Fifth Amendment guarantees you the right to refuse to incriminate yourself. You should exercise this right if you have been charged with a felony. If the police attempt to question you, politely inform them that you will not answer any questions without the presence of a criminal offenses attorney in MD. 

2. Call Your Lawyer Right Away

Contact a criminal offenses attorney in MD as soon as you are allowed to make a phone call. The prosecutor knows a lot more about how the law works than you do and may attempt to use that knowledge to talk you into doing something that is not in your best interest. Securing a lawyer early in the process helps ensure a level playing field. Your attorney can also help you understand your legal rights and what you should avoid doing that could jeopardize your case.

3. Consult With an Attorney Before You Post Bail

Because no one wants to spend any more time in jail than they have to, defendants’ families often post bail immediately. However, this may not be a good idea in a felony case. If you wait until after Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. attorneys have had a chance to review your case, your attorney may be able to advise you about whether your bail amount may be raised or lowered at the arraignment, you may be released without having to pay bail or your charges may be dropped. 

4. Avoid Talking To Your Friends and Family About Your Arrest

Any conversations you have with Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. attorneys are protected from being used against you in court. However, conversations you have with anyone else are not. 

5. Write Down a List of Witnesses

People who are accused of crimes are often viewed as unreliable witnesses. If you can find anyone who can back up your story in court, it increases your chance of being believed by the judge and jury. Write down the names of anyone you believe witnessed the alleged crime as soon as you can. Your attorney can contact these witnesses to determine if their testimony may be useful in court. You should also make a list of any people who can testify to your good character. This may help convince the judge or jury that you are not the sort of person who would commit the crime you are accused of.

What Are the Different Types of Criminal Offenses?

A criminal offense is any violation of local, state, or federal law. Punishment for criminal offenses ranges widely but can include fines, community service, probation, or even jail time. Although you might think that having a criminal offense isn’t a big deal, it can potentially impact you for the rest of your life. That’s why it is important to speak with a trusted criminal offenses attorney in MD to understand the potential implications of the charges against you and what they might mean for your future. Our lawyers at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. have years of experience defending clients with criminal charges and can support you through this trying time. Call our office today to set up a free and confidential consultation. 

Crimes Against a Person | These kinds of offenses are violent in nature. They include robbery, kidnapping, child abuse, sexual assault, assault and battery, robbery, homicide, and manslaughter. They are the most serious kinds of criminal offense charges and have some of the most severe charges. If you have been charged with this kind of offense, you could face time in jail, a long prison sentence, or even life in prison. The death penalty was abolished in MD in 2013. Regardless of if you have a history of criminal charges or if it is your first time, it is wise to seek legal counsel so that you can understand the gravity of your situation. 

Crimes Against Property | If you have been charged with crimes against property, then you are being accused of destroying or stealing property. These kinds of crimes do not involve harming a person and so are therefore usually considered less serious. Crimes against property include theft, shoplifting, arson, or destruction of property. The penalty is often based on the value of the property that was stolen or damaged and if you have a criminal history. To understand what kind of penalties you might face, you can speak with a criminal offenses attorney in MD from a firm like The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. who excel in this area of law. 

Financial Crimes | Financial Crimes, also known as white-collar crimes, mostly take place in the realm of business. While they aren’t violent in nature, they can still cause harm to people. For instance, if a financial company knowingly was selling people stocks that would create a profit for the company, but ultimately cause the investors money, they can be charged with a criminal offense. Some common kinds of financial crimes include insider trading, investment fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading, and tax evasion. 

Inchoate crimes | Inchoate crimes are incomplete crimes. In these crimes, the perpetrator intended to commit a crime or indirectly participated in it. Charges for inchoate crimes include conspiracy, solicitation, attempt, and aiding and abetting. A classic example is a getaway driver for a bank robbery. Even if they didn’t actually rob the bank, they indirectly participated by helping the robbers get away from the scene. 

To learn more about your criminal charges, you should set up an appointment to speak with a criminal offenses attorney in MD from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

A criminal offenses attorney is a professional who represents you in court if you are arrested or charged with a crime. A good criminal offenses attorney in MD will help speed up the process and ensure that your rights are protected, which means he/she may be able to get charges reduced or even dismissed (dismissed).

If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Attorney Frederick Brynn has years of experience defending clients against all types of criminal offenses, from DUI to murder. He will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C today to schedule a free consultation.