Upper Marlboro Criminal Defense Lawyers

Let Us Defend You from Serious Criminal Charges

At Farmer & Klopfer, our Upper Marlboro criminal defense attorneys have built a strong reputation for providing tough legal defense to locals who have been accused of criminal offenses. For years, our experienced attorneys have handled a long list of complex and high-stakes criminal defense cases, leveraging our in-depth understanding of the law to accomplish great results for our clients. Whether you were accused of a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony, you can trust in our commitment to protecting your right to the presumption of innocence. You can also rest assured in knowing that our law firm has trial lawyers who can take your case before a judge and jury. When it comes to pursuing justice and doing what is right for the accused, we’re always ready for a legal fight.

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Defending Against Different Criminal Charges

Our Upper Marlboro criminal defense attorneys have a wealth of experience that allows us to tackle even the most complicated criminal defense cases. With a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, involving investigation, research, evidence collection, litigation, and more, we should be your first choice for defense representation for all sorts of criminal charges and cases.

Our skilled team can handle cases that involve these criminal charges and cases, as well as many others:

• Bench warrants: We can help you navigate the complexities of a bench warrant, working diligently to resolve the matter and minimize its impact on your life.
• Traffic violations: Even minor traffic offenses can have significant consequences, including license suspension. We work to protect our clients' driving privileges, insurance rates, and overall peace of mind.
• Drug charges: We defend clients against all types of drug-related offenses, from possession and distribution to trafficking, utilizing sturdy defenses to challenge the prosecution's case.
• DUIs: Our firm has a proven track record of successfully defending clients charged with DUI offenses. We scrutinize every detail of the arrest, focusing on any potential errors or violations of your rights, such as unlawful traffic stops.
• Murder charges: Facing a murder charge is an extremely serious matter. Our attorneys apply their extensive experience and assertive approach to build a strong defense strategy that reflects the gravity of the situation.

What Can Happen If You Are Convicted?

A criminal conviction can bring heavy consequences, the severity of which depends on various factors including the nature and degree of the crime committed. Whether the crime is classified as a felony or misdemeanor, violent or non-violent, each carries its own set of potential penalties, for example. However, it's important to understand that the implications of a conviction extend beyond immediate penalties. It can have long-term effects on personal, professional, and social aspects of your life.

If you are convicted of a crime, the penalties that can result from it might include:

• Fines: Monetary penalties are very common, ranging from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Regardless of the amount, the result is often a risk of financial instability, which brings a host of other serious issues. 
• Imprisonment: Time behind bars, either in county jail or federal prison, is a common sentencing requirement upon conviction. The length of the sentence can range from a few days or weeks for minor offenses, to years or life imprisonment for more serious crimes.
• Probation: For some, imprisonment can be avoided by entering probation. The convicted will have to meet certain requirements to complete probation, or they can face criminal penalties like imprisonment again.
• Removal of certain rights or licenses: A criminal conviction can lead to the loss of certain rights or privileges, such as the right to vote, the right to own firearms, or the ability to hold certain professional licenses. In some cases, these rights may be restored after a period of time, but this is not guaranteed.

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies in Maryland

Criminal offenses in Maryland are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies, with significant differences in penalties and long-term consequences.

Misdemeanors in Maryland

Misdemeanors are generally considered less severe crimes but can still carry serious penalties. Examples include:

• DUI/DWI
• Assault in the second degree
• Theft under $1,500
• Drug possession (small amounts)
• Reckless driving

Penalties for misdemeanors in Maryland can include jail time (typically up to 10 years, depending on the offense), fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record.

Felonies in Maryland

Felonies are more serious crimes that often result in harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Examples of felonies include:

• Murder
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Drug trafficking
• Assault in the first degree

A felony conviction can have lifelong consequences, including loss of civil rights, difficulty finding employment, and significant financial penalties.

The Criminal Defense Process in Upper Marlboro

Understanding the criminal defense process can help ease your concerns about what to expect. Here is a general overview:

1. Arrest & Charges: If you are arrested, law enforcement will book you and formally charge you with a crime.
2. Initial Court Appearance: You will be required to appear before a judge, who may set bail or release conditions.
3. Investigation & Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will review the prosecution’s evidence and conduct their own investigation.
4. Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your lawyer may file motions to dismiss charges or suppress evidence and negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges.
5. Trial or Plea Bargain: If your case goes to trial, your attorney will present your defense. If a plea deal is in your best interest, your attorney will negotiate favorable terms.
6. Sentencing & Appeals: If convicted, sentencing will follow. Your attorney may appeal the verdict if there were legal errors in your case.

FAQs About the Criminal Process in Upper Marlboro

What should I do if I am arrested in Upper Marlboro? Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer any questions without legal representation.

Can I get my charges dismissed? Depending on the circumstances, charges may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, improper police conduct, or violations of your rights.

What are the penalties for a DUI in Maryland? Penalties vary but may include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and jail time for repeat offenders.

Will a criminal conviction affect my job prospects? Yes, a conviction can appear on background checks and make finding employment more difficult. Expungement may be an option in some cases.

We Can Take Your Case to Trial

Farmer & Klopfer is equipped with the necessary resources and experience to take our clients’ cases to trial when necessary. Our Upper Marlboro criminal defense team is skilled at handling all aspects of a case, from initial investigation and evidence gathering to presenting compelling arguments before a judge and jury. We believe in thoroughly preparing for every possible scenario, have significant courtroom experience, are well-versed in trial procedures and rules of evidence, and are not afraid to litigate if it serves your best interests.

Need Legal Defense? Don’t Wait – Call Now

When you find yourself facing criminal charges in Upper Marlboro or the surrounding area, you can count on the experienced and dedicated team at Farmer & Klopfer to be there. With our extensive courtroom experience and thorough understanding of criminal law, we're ready to stand up on your behalf. We can create personalized defense strategies designed to achieve positive case results, such as a case dismissal or not-guilty verdict, for people who are accused of misdemeanors and felonies. Your rights and interests are our top priority, so let’s fight for them together.

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