Criminal Defense Attorneys in Rockville, Maryland

If you are being investigated or facing criminal charges, it is crucial to seek legal advice without delay. Although you may feel confused and anxious, an aggressive attorney can try to secure a dismissal or reduction of the charges. At Felsen and Sargent, LLC, our Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers can conduct an independent investigation to find favorable facts, negotiate with the prosecution, and try a case to a jury if necessary. 

We can help people across the state of Maryland who need a drug crime attorney or representation in fighting charges of:

• Sex crimes

• Domestic violence

• Shoplifting or retail theft

• DUI/DWI

• Traffic violations

• White collar crimes

• Violent crimes

• Juvenile offenses

Set up your initial consultation today by calling our firm in Rockville, Maryland.

Presenting a Strong Criminal Defense for Maryland Residents

The state of Maryland divides crimes between felonies and misdemeanors. Crimes that are more serious are charged as felonies, and they are punishable by a prison term of one year or longer. A felony conviction becomes part of your criminal record and can trigger the imposition of greater penalties should you be convicted again in the future. Felony convictions also may result in serious consequences for people seeking jobs, professional licenses, or certain types of housing.

Some of the most commonly charged crimes involve controlled substances:

• Possession of marijuana in an amount of 10 grams or less is a misdemeanor charge that may result in a maximum imprisonment of 90 days as well as a fine

• Possession of controlled dangerous substances other than marijuana (such as cocaine, LSD, heroin, or oxycodone) is also a misdemeanor, but the maximum prison sentence is 4 years

• Charges related to drug distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and manufacturing drugs are felony charges and may send a defendant to prison for decades if they are sustained

There are often persuasive defenses to drug charges that an experienced attorney can raise on your behalf. For example, the police may have failed to follow constitutionally required procedures when seizing the controlled substances, which means that this evidence likely can be excluded at trial.

Convictions of other types of crimes may have serious consequences, such as sex crimes. Someone convicted of a sex offense may be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his or her life and face mandatory imprisonment. 

Sex crimes that require registration include:

• Rape

• Attempted rape

• Continuing course of conduct with a child

• Sexual abuse of a minor

• Child pornography

• Human trafficking

• Kidnapping

A criminal defense lawyer can help Maryland residents try to avoid the severe penalties associated with these charges and the social stigma attached to them. In many cases, it may be possible to argue that the alleged victim consented or that the defendant lacked the requisite intent as provided by the statute.

No matter which type of criminal charge you may be facing, it is important to remember that the prosecution must prove each element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a very high burden for it to meet, and it is your attorney’s job to vigorously challenge the prosecution’s version of events whenever it may be appropriate.

Attorneys Helping You Fight Felony or Misdemeanor Charges in Frederick County, Prince George’s County, Carroll County, Howard County, & the District of Columbia

A criminal record may carry grave consequences for your life far into the future. However, a knowledgeable lawyer can investigate the circumstances and craft a strategy to protect your rights at every stage of the process. 

Call or complete our online form to set up a consultation.