Annapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys

Skilled Attorneys Representing Clients Accused of Criminal Offenses in Annapolis, MD

A criminal offense on your record can be a significant black mark on your reputation. Anyone who runs a background check on you may become anxious upon seeing a misdemeanor or felony attached to your name. Worse, you may face serious punishment if you are convicted of a criminal offense, such as high fines or possible jail time. An Annapolis criminal defense attorney can advise you on how to respond to a criminal charge and represent you in court.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our lawyers are here to safeguard your future. We represent Maryland residents who have been accused of a variety of criminal offenses, from traffic offenses to sex crimes. When you work with us, we will take the time to understand your case, and we will develop a strong strategy on your behalf.

Drug Crimes

Maryland can be harsh when prosecuting drug crimes. Possession of an illegal substance is usually a misdemeanor offense, with a fine of up to $5,000 on a first conviction and the possibility of up to a year in jail. The punishments get more severe for offenses related to distributing drugs.

Possession with intent to distribute is treated as a much more serious violation, with escalating penalties depending on the type of drug. For this charge to apply, the prosecution must prove that you planned to sell or distribute the drugs in question. Large quantities of drugs are more likely to trigger a possession with intent to distribute charge, as opposed to smaller quantities for personal use.

The penalties for distribution or intent to distribute will vary depending on the type of drug. A marijuana offense is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. However, for more addictive and dangerous drugs like heroin or LSD, you could face a 20-year prison sentence with a $100,000 fine. These penalties have the potential to ruin your life, so getting in contact with a skilled lawyer who can help you fight the charge is an absolute necessity.

Federal Offenses

If you have been charged with a federal crime, such as firearms trafficking, drug distribution, or crimes involving child pornography, you should reach out to a skilled defense attorney as soon as possible. Federal judges can impose longer prison sentences compared to offenses at the state-level, and the prosecution may be much more aggressive. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we can represent you in federal court to protect your rights.

Domestic Violence

An accusation of domestic violence can be severely damaging to your reputation. Most often, domestic violence is charged as assault and battery committed against a close family member, intimate partner, or roommate. In many cases, victims may attempt to retract the charges after tensions have dissipated, only to find that the state will not drop the case.

In Maryland, assault may be charged in the first or second degree, but both types of offenses can have devastating consequences. Second-degree charges may apply in cases where you are accused of threatening violence or causing mild bodily harm to another person, and a conviction carries a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years. First-degree charges may apply in cases involving serious bodily harm, strangulation, or threats issued with a firearm. A conviction for first-degree assault carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

Meet With an Annapolis, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Have you been accused of a criminal offense in Maryland? At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our Annapolis criminal defense lawyers are prepared to stand up for your rights in court. For a free initial consultation, you can call our offices at 410-280-2500 or reach out to us online today.