Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, you need a skilled Maryland criminal attorney to defend your rights. Benjamin fights to get your charges reduced or dropped, and helps you keep your record clean.
Unlike civil cases, statutes of limitations for criminal offenses vary by state. Understanding these time limits can help you determine when to contact an attorney.
Misdemeanors
The Maryland criminal statute of limitations outlines time limits for prosecutors to file charges in a case. While felony charges can be brought at any time, most misdemeanors are charged within one year of the offense.
If you have been accused of a crime, it is crucial that you hire an experienced attorney who can fight for your rights. An aggressive defense can help prevent you from facing a conviction and a life-long record.
Even minor crimes like shoplifting and petty theft can result in significant fines and jail time. A skilled Maryland misdemeanor defense attorney can help you fight these charges.
In addition, a petty theft charge can carry penalties such as a suspended license and points on your driving record. Whether you’ve been accused of a crime or believe you are being investigated for an offense, contact a Maryland criminal attorney immediately to learn more about your rights.
Felonies
If you are charged with a crime in Maryland, you need to know your rights. One important legal principle is the criminal statute of limitations, which sets a time limit for prosecutors to file charges against you.
Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors, and they can have long-lasting consequences on your life. Getting a job, obtaining loans, housing and other services can be difficult with a felony on your record.
First, second and third degree burglary are considered felony crimes in Maryland, with penalties that may include up to 20 years in prison. Even fourth-degree burglary, which is considered a misdemeanor, can have severe penalties, including heavy fines and jail time.
If you have been charged with a felony, it is important to retain an experienced attorney who can help protect your rights. A strong defense can result in case dismissal, reduced charges or a beneficial plea deal. It can also protect you from future criminal charges or other adverse consequences.
Penalties
Every state has a statute of limitations, or time limit, for when prosecutors can file criminal charges. This is important because it enables the accused to have a fair trial.
Felonies and misdemeanors have different time limits. Generally, misdemeanors have a one-year statute of limitations.
Theft crimes in Maryland range from a few months in jail and a fine to decades in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. The penalties depend on the severity of the crime, as well as the value of the property stolen.
If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who understands local laws and how they affect your situation. A qualified defense lawyer can help you navigate the court system and fight to get your charges dismissed or reduced.
Defenses
In Maryland, the criminal statute of limitations is the maximum period of time that prosecutors can file criminal charges after an alleged offense. Similarly, in civil cases, statutes of limitations set the deadline for a plaintiff to bring a lawsuit against a defendant.
There are many defenses available in Maryland criminal statute of limitations cases. These include the idea that a crime was not committed or that a claim filed after the SOL expires is untimely.
Another defense is that the person who was harmed did not know that the injury occurred. For example, let’s say you underwent a surgery and the surgeon accidentally left a sponge in your incision site. You did not experience any pain or symptoms from the error, so you would have no reason to suspect that it was a medical mistake.
In most cases, this defense is not a good idea. It can lead to a bad outcome for the plaintiff because it could allow an insurance company to sue you in an untimely manner.
