Bowie, MD Criminal Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Misdemeanor and Felony Charges in Bowie, Maryland

A criminal charge is one of the most serious situations a person can face. The criminal justice system moves quickly, and the decisions made in the earliest stages of a case can shape its outcome. Having skilled legal representation from the very beginning is essential.

At Farmer & Klopfer, our attorneys defend people in Bowie against multiple types of criminal charges. We understand that people accused of crimes deserve to have an advocate in their corner, and we fight to protect our clients' rights as they address the accusations against them. We work to find solutions that will allow a person to avoid a criminal record, put a case behind them, and avoid difficulties in their life in the future.

Property Crimes

When a person is charged with an offense involving someone else's property, they may face penalties that could include incarceration in jail, high fines, and the requirement to pay restitution. Our lawyers can help defend against property crimes such as:

• Theft: Accusations of taking another person's property without their permission can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the value of what was allegedly stolen.
• Shoplifting: When a person is accused of stealing property from a store, they may be charged with theft. While these cases will often involve misdemeanor charges, more serious charges may apply in cases involving expensive items or aggravating factors.
• Burglary: These charges may arise when a person is accused of entering a building such as a home or business with the intent to commit theft, a violent crime, or another type of offense. In many cases, accusations of burglary will lead to felony charges.
• Robbery: When a person is accused of committing theft from a person by using force or threatening to cause an injury, they will face serious felony charges. Cases involving armed robbery where a person was allegedly carrying a firearm or another weapon are likely to lead to serious penalties following a conviction.

Internet Crimes

Criminal charges involving computers, electronic communications, and online activity can lead to severe penalties. Internet crimes may include:

• Identity Theft: A person who has been accused of using another person's identifying information without permission may face charges of credit card fraud, computer fraud, or other types of fraud.
• Child Pornography and Online Solicitation: A person who is accused of using the internet to commit offenses involving the exploitation of children may face serious penalties. Convictions in these cases may result in mandatory sex offender registration that will affect a person's life after they serve a criminal sentence.
• Online Fraud: Phishing schemes, offenses involving malware or ransomware, or other uses of the internet to obtain money or property through misrepresentation can lead to charges of theft or other related crimes.

Violent Crimes

Some of the most serious cases handled in the criminal justice system involve violence against others. The potential penalties for violent crimes can be severe. Our attorneys can help defend against offenses such as:

• Assault: In Maryland, charges of second-degree assault or simple assault are classified as misdemeanors, but they can still lead to penalties that may include multiple years in prison. Charges of first-degree assault or aggravated assault are more serious, since they are felonies that may lead to up to 25 years in prison.
• Murder and Manslaughter: A person who is accused of killing someone else may face severe penalties, including the possibility of life in prison without parole in some cases.
• Domestic Violence: A person who is accused of causing harm to members of their family or household may be charged with assault, but they may face additional consequences, including protective orders and restrictions on firearm ownership.

Drug Crimes

Because of the risks that drugs present to people in communities in Maryland, drug crimes will often be prosecuted harshly. People charged with these offenses may face penalties that could include years or decades in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Our lawyers can help clients address charges involving drug possession, drug distribution, drug manufacturing, or drug trafficking.

While the possession of controlled substances may lead to misdemeanor charges in some cases, the possession of large amounts of drugs or other materials related to drug sales or manufacturing could lead to charges of possession with intent to distribute. A person who is accused of being involved in the sale or distribution of substances like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine may face severe penalties.

A defense against drug charges may address stops, searches, or seizures by law enforcement. Our attorneys can take steps to address evidence that was obtained through illegal searches. We can address other violations of a person's rights, and we can develop defense strategies to help prevent a conviction on drug crime charges.

Traffic Violations

While some violations of traffic laws are minor civil infractions, others are serious criminal offenses. A traffic violation can affect a person's driver's license, insurance rates, and other parts of their life. Our lawyers can provide guidance on the options that are available in these cases, and we will work to protect our clients' licenses while minimizing the penalties they may face.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most serious traffic offenses. A person convicted of DUI or DWI may face a potential jail sentence, thousands of dollars in fines, and the loss of their driver's license. Our attorneys can help clients understand the best options for avoiding DUI convictions and resolving these cases with minimal consequences.

We can also address serious traffic offenses such as reckless driving or driving with a suspended license. We will work to find solutions that will help our clients avoid jail time and ensure that they will be able to continue driving. We can also help defend against speeding tickets, and we can work with commercial drivers to prevent CDL violations from affecting their careers.

Contact Our Bowie Criminal Defense Attorneys

When addressing criminal charges, traffic charges, or other matters that could affect a person's driver's license or criminal record, the attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer can provide guidance on the best strategies for success. To get the representation you need during your case, contact our Bowie, MD criminal defense lawyers at 301-843-3890 and schedule a free consultation.