Guide to Finding Maryland Criminal Lawyer

Criminal law governs crimes against greater society. A Maryland criminal law lawyer may work for the District Attorney’s office or the Maryland Attorney General, prosecuting individuals believed to have committed a crime, or they may work independently defending those individuals.

Because the penalties for violating criminal law can be incredibly severe, from heavy fines to jail time to death in some rare cases, it is of the utmost importance that those being accused in a Maryland criminal court find a Maryland criminal lawyer to help them clear their name or else to obtain the least severe punishment possible.

Types of Maryland Criminal Lawyers

Modern life is complicated, and in order to regulate it and ensure that America citizens are safe and treated justly the government has erected a complex system of laws at the state, local and federal level. That means there are numerous crimes a Maryland citizen can be charged with, and numerous types of crimes a MD criminal lawyer can be trained to defend. Here are a few accusations that could be levied against you that may drive you to seek out a MD criminal lawyer:

• Child or domestic abuse

• Assault

• Driving under the influence

• Drug possession

• Drug possession with intent to distribute

• Embezzlement

• Identity fraud

• Homicide

• Indecent exposure

• Public intoxication

How to Find a Maryland Criminal Lawyer

More than five-and-a-half million individuals live in the state of Maryland, which means that finding the right Maryland criminal lawyer for you can be a draining process. But don’t get intimated just yet. By knowing a few of the regular routes, getting the Maryland criminal lawyer you want can prove to be much simpler. Here are few methods that might prove useful to you:

1. Calling a referral service: Legal referral services can direct callers to MD criminal lawyers in their area. The caller is first interviewed by a trained specialist about their legal, economic and geographic needs in finding a MD criminal lawyer and are then referred to an attorney who can best help them. One great thing about a referral service is that the price of the consultation with the Maryland criminal lawyer is often greatly reduced to a nominal fee, usually $20 or $25, instead of the attorney’s normal hourly fee. In addition, all the lawyers are pre-screened by the referral service, so you can call comfortably knowing that you’re contacting a legitimate MD criminal lawyer. Look at a list of referral services by Maryland county on the Maryland Bar Association website.

2. Find a lawyer’s directory: Directories list all the licensed lawyers in your region. Be sure to get an up-to-date one to find out about newly certified lawyers or to make sure you don’t try to hire a recently retired MD criminal lawyer or one whose law license has been revoked. Directories are available online or go to your local library to track down a version in print. The Maryland State Bar Association prints a directory called the Maryland Lawyers’ Manuel every year, and most libraries should have the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory as well.

3. Ask around for referrals: Criminal charges are serious, but they’re not uncommon. One of your friends, family members or coworkers may have had to hire a Maryland criminal lawyer in the past and you may not even know it. Find out if someone you know has a great working experience in the past with a MD criminal lawyer.

4. Pay attention to advertisements: Some MD criminal lawyers may advertise their services. Don’t necessarily disregard them. Having a successful enough practice to afford to advertise is no small accomplishment.

What Can and Can’t My Maryland Criminal Lawyer Do?

Maryland criminal lawyers have years of training to know how to best represent you in the legal system. When you hire one, here are a few things you can expect them to do:

• Your Maryland criminal lawyer can accompany and advice you during any police interrogation. Under the Fifth Amendment, never under any circumstance do you have to talk during an interrogation. Many criminal suspects would be advised to wait for their Maryland criminal lawyer to arrive before talking with police, to help them strategize the best course of action.

• Your Maryland criminal lawyer can talk to you about your legal strategies at their office, at your home, or in a prison.

• Your Maryland criminal lawyer can talk to prosecutors and judges without you present but on your behalf to inquire about plea offers or other legal matters.

• Your Maryland criminal lawyer can represent you in court during a trial, trying to deliver your side of the story to judges or to a jury.

• Your Maryland criminal lawyer can fill out paper work and file legal motions on your behalf

You should also be aware, however, of what your Maryland criminal lawyer isn’t allowed to do. No lawyer can make a decision on your behalf without your consent. If your Maryland criminal lawyer approves a plea bargain without asking you first, then the plea bargain is not valid. Your Maryland criminal lawyer may disagree with your legal strategy, but they are legally required to abide by it.

If you believe your Maryland criminal lawyer has acted unethically in his dealings towards you, contact the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland and launch an investigation into your Maryland criminal lawyer’s actions. Read more about the Attorney Grievance Commission.

When You Can’t Afford a Maryland Criminal Lawyer

Ever since the Supreme Court case of Gideon v. Wainwright in 1963, criminal defendants have been entitled to legal representation, even if they cannot afford it. Therefore, if you cannot afford legal council, the court can appoint a Maryland criminal lawyer to assist you. This attorney is called a public defender, and the services of one will be entirely free.

If you require additional legal assistance, there are various legal services where Maryland criminal lawyers operate pro bono or at reduced or ignored cost for eligible low-income citizens. One such service is the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland.