There are many times in which a Maryland criminal defense lawyer can work to protect your interests during your interactions with the legal system. For those who have never been charged with a crime, the process can look and feel intimidating, leaving you wondering what the next best steps are for you.
Too many people fail to take criminal matters seriously, sometimes incriminating themselves during an investigation or failing to retain the services of an attorney as soon as possible. As such, the best time to contact a criminal defense attorney is the moment you are arrested or investigated for a crime.
Article Summary
- Criminal defense attorneys represent you during criminal matters, including investigation and arrest.
- Attorneys can help you understand the legal consequences, but also develop a defense strategy unique to your case.
- Jezic & Moyse maintains several attorneys suitable for representing clients in a wide range of criminal cases.
What Is a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Criminal defense attorneys work alongside those who have been charged with a crime in relation to state or federal laws. They represent you throughout the legal system, helping guide you through each step, providing additional information that can help you better understand what’s at stake, and arguing in your favor.
They conduct their own investigations into the crimes that you are being charged with, reviewing the evidence that has been collected, ensuring your court deadlines are strictly adhered to, while representing you during any court dates that require your attendance.
Oftentimes, an attorney can work to negotiate directly with a prosecutor to reduce the legal penalties you are facing or argue in court that your legal rights were violated during your arrest. In some cases, an attorney can also challenge the validity of the evidence against you or pinpoint inconsistencies in law enforcement’s investigation.
At times when it feels like there is nobody on your side, your attorney fights for what is right for you.
Assisting During Criminal Investigation
It is important to keep in mind that not every interaction with law enforcement requires a criminal defense attorney. There are occasions when law enforcement may request to speak with you as part of their investigation, suggesting that you come speak with them at a police station. In some cases, they may visit you directly at your home.
It remains well within your legal rights to explain to law enforcement that you aren’t comfortable with answering questions until you have spoken with your attorney. The information that you voluntarily give to law enforcement can be used against you at a later time. Upon contacting your attorney, they can advise you on how to best interact with law enforcement, but also prevent the risk of self-incrimination.
Supporting You During and After An Arrest
Should you be arrested for a crime, hiring an attorney remains an essential element of successfully navigating the legal system. They will represent you at bail hearings, but also carefully guide you on how to navigate the requests of law enforcement. They carefully gather the details of your arrest, collecting relevant evidence, but also ensure your legal rights are protected during and after arrest.
At times when law enforcement may want to “hear your side of the story,” a criminal defense attorney can intervene, advising you on the specifics of how to answer each question.
Helping You Understand What Is At Stake
Even a misdemeanor conviction of a DWI here in Maryland can result in jail time, but there is so much more at stake than just the immediate legal consequences. An attorney can carefully explain to you the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction in relation to your case.
For instance, felony sex abuse crimes may require your name to be publicly published in the state’s Sex Offender Registry, resulting in a lifetime of embarrassment. In something less serious, such as a DWI conviction, you could see your name appear in criminal background checks for decades after your time in court. As you work alongside your attorney, you will begin to understand how important it is to leverage their services to lessen or avoid some of these lifelong legal consequences.
Formulating a Defense Strategy Unique To Your Case
To defend against the criminal charges against you, your defense attorney will need to carefully review every detail of your case. This can include reviewing evidence, body camera footage, witness statements, and police reports related to your case. A qualified attorney’s knowledge of the legal system can develop a defense strategy that is entirely unique to your case.
In some cases, your attorney may argue that law enforcement violated your rights through an illegal search or seizure, challenge the validity of the evidence gathered against you, or argue that there was a justifiable reason for your actions. Attorneys spend several hours reviewing each detail of your case to argue in your favor, pushing to have your charges reduced or dropped entirely.
Choosing The Right Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
The right choice for hiring a criminal defense attorney who maintains a track record of success in criminal cases that are similar to yours. Law firms maintain several different attorneys with different sets of experience and knowledge, ensuring that you have access to the appropriate attorney. For instance, many attorneys maintain experience in DUI cases, while other attorneys may be more appropriate for representing clients facing felony criminal charges.
Further Reading From Jezic & Moyse
Visit the Jezic & Moyse blog to learn more about our work. Click the links below:
- Criminal Record Expungement in Maryland
- Navigating Domestic Violence Charges in Maryland
- First-Time DUI in Maryland
- Maryland Sex Crimes
- Expecting Federal Crimes in Maryland
Why Jezic & Moyse Should Be Your First Choice
Jezic & Moyse continues to serve clients throughout the state of Maryland in an incredible variety of different ways. Our firm prides itself on offering representation for criminal matters of all levels of complexity, including both misdemeanor and federal crimes. Our roster of attorneys means we have deep legal resources and expertise in Maryland criminal law, working to protect your best interests during these difficult times.
We understand how difficult and challenging these matters can be, and we continue to work alongside our clients to find solutions that work for them. Our firm maintains decades of experience, continuing to secure favorable results in criminal cases of the highest complexity. Between high-profile cases and misdemeanor DWI charges, we provide options for clients facing many different criminal charges.
Retaining exceptional legal representation remains well within your legal rights, and there is no reason for you to navigate these issues on your own.
Contact Jezic & Moyse for a Free Consultation Call
Contact us at any time, day or night, and take part in a free consultation call to learn more about how we can help. Early legal intervention remains critically important to your criminal case, so don’t delay. Should you be unable to contact our firm on your own, request that a close family member or friend reach out to us on your behalf.
We remain available at all hours, capable of serving you on short notice. Participating in a consultation doesn’t require you to purchase any of our services, helping you better understand your legal case. There is no risk to you for simply reaching out and discussing your case with us.
Email us directly and request a free, no-obligation consultation at inquiries@jezicfirm.com or call us at 240-292-7200 to learn more.
Don’t delay, contact us now for more information.