How A Maryland Lawyer Can Help Reduce Criminal Charges

Facing criminal charges can be a frightening experience. The consequences of a conviction can range from fines and community service to long-term imprisonment and a permanent criminal record.

A Baltimore criminal lawyer can walk you through the severity of the charges you are facing and share paths forward with you. A reduction in charges, or having them dismissed altogether, could be possible with the support of a skilled attorney.

Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges

In Maryland, criminal charges are classified into two main categories. Misdemeanors are considered less severe offenses and typically carry penalties of up to one year in jail, fines, or both. Felonies are more serious offenses that can result in significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Within these categories, there are also degrees of severity, with first-degree offenses generally being the most serious and carrying the harshest penalties. In short, penalties for criminal charges vary widely depending on the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the crime, and the defendant’s criminal history.

Possible criminal penalties include:

• Monetary penalties can range from a few hundred dollars for minor misdemeanors to thousands of dollars for more serious crimes.
• Jail or prison sentences can range from a few days for minor offenses to life imprisonment for serious felonies.
• Instead of serving time in jail, a defendant may be placed on probation, which includes strict conditions that must be followed.
• Community service. Some sentences may include performing a certain number of hours of community service.
• Permanent record. A conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which can affect future employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Facing criminal consequences is stressful, but a lawyer may be able to impact the outcome of your case.

Plea Bargains, Challenging Evidence, and Alternative Sentencing

A route often pursued by attorneys is to reduce criminal charges through a plea bargain. In these situations, your lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges reduced in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser offense. For example, a felony charge might be reduced to a misdemeanor, resulting in a lighter sentence.

Plus, as soon as you connect with a lawyer, they will thoroughly examine the evidence against you to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies. If the evidence was obtained illegally or is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your lawyer can file motions to suppress the evidence or have the charges dismissed altogether. There may also be the possibility of exploring alternative sentences, such as probation, community service, or participation in a diversion program.

A Baltimore criminal lawyer can even help if you were charged with more severe crimes than are warranted by the facts of the case. A lawyer can challenge these overcharges and argue for a reduction that more accurately reflects the alleged conduct.

Why do you believe you have been overcharged in your Maryland case? Chat with the knowledgeable legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP and see what steps to take next. Contact us to book a confidential consultation.