Pasadena, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Attorneys for Criminal Defense in Pasadena, Maryland

After an arrest, you might be understandably panicked about the criminal consequences you may face. The police may pressure you into confessing to a crime, regardless of whether or not you are guilty. In the face of this overwhelming stress, do not forget that you have a right to legal representation. A Pasadena criminal defense lawyer can advocate for you in front of a judge, making sure your voice is heard in the courtroom.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our attorneys have decades of shared experience in criminal law. When you work with our firm, you will receive individual attention from our team of lawyers as we strategize to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Weapons Charges

Weapons offenses in Maryland often come with strict prosecution. Many crimes committed with a weapon are subject to harsher punishments. The use of a gun can escalate a misdemeanor assault into a felony, and it may aggravate rape charges to the first degree. If you have been accused of a weapons offense, you should assume that a prison sentence is a very real possibility. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our attorneys defend clients accused of firearm offenses and other weapon-related crimes across Maryland.

You can also face serious penalties for illegally possessing or carrying a gun. Under Maryland law, fugitives, convicted felons, and people addicted to drugs or alcohol are all barred from owning or possessing firearms. If you are caught with a firearm as a convicted felon, you could be sentenced to a mandatory minimum of five years in prison.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we will fight to keep you out of prison, looking for ways to reduce your sentence or pursuing an alternative sentence like probation.

Assault

In Maryland, the crime of assault and battery (that is, threatening someone with violence and making unlawful physical contact) is usually just referred to as "assault." The crime can be charged in either the first or second degree, with first-degree charges having harsher punishments.

Second-degree assault is typically charged when the alleged victim did not suffer or was not in danger of suffering serious injury. For instance, slapping somebody is considered offensive physical contact punishable as assault even if it does not result in lasting damage. The punishment for second-degree assault may be much harsher than you realize, carrying up to 10 years in prison.

As previously mentioned, the use of a weapon may result in aggravated first-degree assault charges, punishable by no more than 25 years in prison. You can also be charged with first-degree assault for strangling another person.

Depending on your case, there may be room to argue self-defense or mutual consent from the alleged victim. We will consider all possibilities to protect your rights in court.

Expungements

A criminal record can be a heavy burden to bear. By filing for expungement, you can erase the public record of certain convictions and charges attached to your name. You may be eligible for expungement if:

• You were found not guilty
• The charges against you were dropped
• The prosecutor dropped the case against you
• Your case was postponed indefinitely
• You received Probation Before Judgment ("PBJ")

Many convictions are eligible for expungement after a certain number of years, such as theft, marijuana offenses, assault, or DUI. Other convictions may be eligible for shielding, which will seal your records and prevent most people from accessing them. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we can assess your eligibility for expungement or shielding and walk you through the process of clearing your record.

Meet With a Pasadena Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you have been accused of a criminal violation in Maryland, our Pasadena criminal law attorneys can protect your rights. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we have the skills and resources to effectively represent you in court, keeping you informed of your options throughout your case. To schedule a free initial consultation, call our offices at 410-280-2500 or contact us online today.