Source: http://oropezalaw.com/criminal-law-in-md/
Timestamp: 2019-02-15 22:56:54
Document Index: 13953957

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Criminal Defense Attorney | Rockville, MD | Oropeza Law Firm, PLLC
First-degree assault is a very serious charge in Maryland, carrying a possible penalty of up to 25 years' imprisonment. In order to be charged with first degree assault, the state must prove the following:
Second-degree assault differs from first-degree assault in Maryland in that it is a less serious charge, but it still carries a hefty potential penalty that a Maryland defense lawyer can help you fight. The maximum penalty for second-degree assault is 10 years' imprisonment. Under Section 3-203, any unwanted physical contact can be considered assault, even if it doesn't ultimately cause injury. Assault that poses no risk of death or serious injury is normally charged as second-degree assault, however, there are some exceptions as discussed below.
Even second-degree assault in Maryland can be charged as a felony if the assault is allegedly committed against a law enforcement officer, parole officer, or probation agent. Felony charges typically only result if the alleged victim was engaged in the performance of his or her official duties, or the injuries suffered were more than minor injuries (impaired a physical condition). According to Section 3-203, anyone that commits second-degree assault on a government agent, such as a law enforcement officer, is guilty of a felony, punishable by up to 10 years' imprisonment and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.
Recklessly discharge a firearm from a car or other motor vehicle in a way that establishes a serious risk of physical injury or death to another person.
First degree burglary, as stated under § 6-202 of the criminal code, is the breaking and entering into a "dwelling" with some sort of intent to commit a theft or a violent crime. The intent to commit theft could be a misdemeanor or a felony. This crime is punishable by up to 20 years' imprisonment and is a felony in the state of Maryland.
Burglary is broken down into four degrees in Maryland.In Maryland, second degree burglary is similar to the first degree, with the main difference being that the crime is committed on a "storehouse" as opposed to a private residence. Generally a storehouse means any building, such as a farm barn, factory, educational facility, or public building, but it can also include certain vehicles, such as a train car, airplane or helicopter. The law also dictates in § 6-203(a) that burglary of the second degree must involve intent to commit violent crime, robbery (theft), or arson. Second degree burglary is a felony and punishable up to 15 years in prison.
Burglary is broken down into four degrees in Maryland.In Maryland, second degree burglary is similar to the first degree, with the main difference being that the crime is committed on a "storehouse" as opposed to a private residence. Generally a storehouse means any building, such as a farm barn, factory, educational facility, or public building, but it can also include certain vehicles, such as a train car, airplane or helicopter. The law also dictates in § 6-203(a) that burglary of the second degree must involve intent to commit violent crime, robbery (theft), or arson. Second degree burglary is a felony and punishable up to 15 years in prison or up to 20 years if it involves breaking into a storehouse with the intent to steal a firearm.
Breaking and entering in the fourth degree, in the state of Maryland, is charged as a misdemeanor. This does not mean that one cited with this crime can take the charges lightly. Maryland state law § 6-205(a)(b) says that one who enters a dwelling or a store house by breaking in may be charged - irrespective of whether or not there is the intent to commit a crime. In other words, the act of "breaking in" alone is in violation of the law. Fourth degree burglary is punishable by up to three years in prison.
Many people do not realize how seriously the state of Maryland and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) take charges of driving on a suspended license. Driving on a suspended license in Maryland is a crime punishable by up to $1,000.00 in fines and one year in jail. In fact, repeat offenders can receive up to three years in jail with advanced penalties. Those charged with driving while suspended should contact a Maryland traffic attorney for help. There are a number of reasons the MVA may suspend or revoke a Maryland driver's license:
A conviction for driving after suspension or revocation can have serious effects on your life. In addition to fines and jail time, you may find difficulty keeping employment or staying in school, difficulty securing insurance and challenges with other areas of your life. Although the law provides a specific sentence for a conviction, in reality your sentence may depend on the circumstances of your case and on the view your prosecutor and judge have of driving after suspension or revocation. An attorney who is familiar with how these charges are typically handled in your area will be best able to give you advice. CALL US NOW at 202-558-6539 for assistance with these or other traffic related criminal charges.
A first offense could carry up to a year in jail, fines of up to $1,000. With a second conviction the potential jail time and the fines double to two years and $2,000 respectively. A third conviction could lead to three years in prison and a $3,000 fine. Every conviction starting with the first also carries a potential prolonged loss of driving privileges.
A DWI carries less significant penalties than a DUI because the standards to be charged are far less. A DWI can be issued if your blood alcohol is less than .08 depending on the circumstances that led to you being pulled over. The maximum penalties for a first time DWI are two months in prison and up to $500 in fines. For more information Contact us by phone or by filling out the form located below to schedule a free consultation.
The property taken belonged to your spouse, unless you and your spouse were living in separate locations at the time of the alleged crime.
If you allegedly stole a trade secret, you already had rightful knowledge of that trade secret, or the trade secret was available from a source other than the owner pressing charges against you.
Possession of 10 grams or more - $1,000.00 fine, one year imprisonment
Possession of less than 10 grams - a civil penalty of $100 to $500
A Maryland lawyer can always help you fight your drug possession charges, especially if there is evidence that the amount listed in your charging documents is inaccurate. Under § 5-601(a)(2), someone who obtains marijuana by fraud can be punished by a $1,000.00 fine and/or one year of imprisonment.
The primary indicator of distribution for many police officers is the presence of large amounts of a drug that are unlikely to be for personal use. For example, prosecutors could push for distribution charges (a felony) if you are arrested with more than 28 grams of cocaine, even if you had no intention of selling or distributing the drug. Normally, all possession charges in Maryland are misdemeanors. A felony drug conviction will not only result in immediate and severe penalties, but will likely have a negative impact on the rest of your life - such a conviction can hinder your ability to seek gainful employment, find an apartment, and obtain credit. A professional Maryland drug lawyer can examine all evidence against you and fight the state on your behalf.
Penalties also exist in Maryland for possessing drug paraphernalia or any item used to administer or transport drugs. These items could include bongs, bags, baggies, spoons, pipes, and syringes. § 5-619(c)(1) through § 5-620(b) outline the different types of paraphernalia and the penalties for these charges in Maryland. Violation of this law is a $500.00 fine for the first offense. Subsequent offenses increase the penalty to $2,000.00 and/or two years imprisonment. Distributing drug paraphernalia to a minor, although still a misdemeanor, is punishable by up to $15,000.00 in fines and eight years imprisonment.
It's important to remember that a qualified Maryland drug lawyer can fight drug paraphernalia charges in the state by making a variety of arguments, including that the paraphernalia was never intended for illegal drugs at all or the materials used for manufacturing drugs were not your own or on your property.
Manufacturing, selling, or distributing any Schedule I or II narcotic: 20 years' imprisonment, $25,000.00 fine
Manufacturing, selling, or distributing LSD, PCP, or fentanyl: 20 years' imprisonment, $20,000.00 fine
Any other controlled substance: 5 years' imprisonment, $15,000.00 fine
Second offense: 20 years' imprisonment, $25,000.00 fine
Third offense: 25 years' imprisonment, $100,000.00 fine
Fourth offense: 40 years' imprisonment, $100,000.00 fine
Possession of drug materials that indicate a likelihood of manufacture (such as a "meth lab" or "grow operation") is a much more serious crime when in reference to drugs other than marijuana. Possession of materials used to grow marijuana, in sufficient amounts to indicate distribution, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one years' imprisonment and a $1,000.00 fine. With all other materials used to create controlled substances, the charge can be a felony with a potential $25,000.00 fine and four years' imprisonment.