Glen Burnie Violent Crime Defense Attorneys

Skilled Criminal Law Attorneys for People Accused of Violent Crimes in Glen Burnie, Maryland

Getting arrested for a violent crime can be a frightening experience. You may face more strict prosecution in court, with the potential for longer prison sentences and higher fines compared to non-violent offenses. Moreover, a conviction of a violent crime will show up on your criminal record, which can restrict your opportunities for employment. When your freedom is at risk, a Glen Burnie, MD criminal defense attorney can represent you in court.

If you have been accused of a violent criminal offense, you should seek out legal representation as soon as you can. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can start working on your case right away, going over all possible strategies for your defense.

Assault

In Maryland, the crime of assault can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, with potentially devastating consequences. Under state law, assault can refer to acts of physical violence, even if no direct contact with the victim is made. This means you could be charged with second-degree assault for taking a swing at somebody else without actually hitting them. If you are convicted of second-degree assault, you could face up to 10 years in prison, with enhanced fines if you assaulted someone you knew to be a first responder.

When an act of assault causes or threatens to cause serious bodily harm to another person, the crime escalates to first-degree assault, a felony charge. First-degree assault charges often arise when the offense involves a firearm. A conviction of this crime is punishable by 25 years in prison.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can explore different strategies to defend against an assault charge. We could argue that you were acting in self-defense after exhausting all other options to de-escalate the conflict by fleeing. Alternatively, we could question the available evidence and cast doubt on the prosecution's case if there is not enough proof to suggest you carried out the assault beyond a reasonable doubt.

Robbery

The crime of robbery is often charged alongside theft, which involves unlawfully depriving somebody else of property. While the penalties for theft depend on how much was stolen, robbery is always charged as a felony. The crime of robbery is defined as illegally seizing someone else's property or services through the use of force.

If you are convicted of robbery, you could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. However, if you used a dangerous weapon in the offense, the maximum possible prison sentence increases to 20 years. Even if you do not actually possess a dangerous weapon, displaying a "written instrument" claiming that you have a dangerous weapon is enough to warrant these enhanced penalties.

Murder

If you have been charged with murder in the first or second degree, it is absolutely imperative that you work with an attorney who can help you prepare a defense strategy. The difference between first- and second-degree murder is premeditation.

To secure a conviction on first-degree charges, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you planned the killing ahead of time. Killing someone after lying in wait or by poisoning them is considered grounds for first-degree murder. If the killing was intentional, but not pre-planned, it will likely be charged as second-degree murder, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Since first-degree murder can carry a life sentence, it is imperative that you aggressively contest the charge against you with the help of an attorney.

Contact a Glen Burnie, Maryland Violent Crime Defense Attorney

A conviction of a violent offense could have a drastic impact on your life. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our Glen Burnie violent crime defense lawyers can explore all possible avenues to protect you in court. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online for a free consultation.