Salisbury, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
Knowledgeable Attorneys for Clients Accused of Criminal Offenses in Salisbury
If you have been charged with a criminal violation in Maryland, you can expect that law enforcement and the prosecution are already collaborating to build a case against you. Without proper legal representation, you will be left at a significant disadvantage throughout your case. A Salisbury criminal defense lawyer can keep you informed of your rights and speak up for you in a court of law.
At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we stand ready to defend our clients in a wide variety of criminal cases, from violent offenses to non-violent crimes. We will take the time to investigate the details behind your case so that we can work out an optimal defense on your behalf.
Assault and Battery
Though many states distinguish assault and battery as two separate crimes, in Maryland, they are grouped together into the crime of assault. Depending on the severity of the act, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges for assault.
Assault in the second degree is a misdemeanor offense, and contact does not have to occur for this charge to apply. Brandishing a weapon or taking a swing at another person can still qualify as second-degree assault, even if the alleged victim is physically unharmed. Other examples of assault in the second degree include grabbing, punching, or slapping another person. A conviction for this crime can carry up to a decade in prison.
Assault in the first degree is a much more serious felony offense. The use of a deadly weapon during an assault is likely to result in first-degree charges, as well as strangulation or other acts intended to cause serious harm. If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. Our lawyers can look for mitigating factors in an assault charge, such as self-defense or lack of intent to cause harm.
Sex Crimes
Getting charged with a sex crime can destroy your reputation, and if convicted, you may face years in prison and possible registration on the sex offender list. As such, it is absolutely critical that you work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can help you explore all of your options to minimize the charges against you.
Rape is one of the most serious offenses you can face in Maryland. This crime involves non-consensual intercourse with another person, and it may be charged in the first or second degree. Certain aggravating factors like the use of force or multiple perpetrators will likely result in first-degree charges, and a conviction may be punishable by life in prison.
In cases of rape or sexual assault, our attorneys will thoroughly examine the available evidence. If the accuser's account contradicts the facts, we will bring the discrepancy to the court's attention.
DUI
In Maryland, you can be formally charged with driving under the influence if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is measured at or above the legal limit of .08 percent. By itself, a DUI in Maryland is a misdemeanor charge. However, it can be escalated to a felony if you struck another person or if there was a child in the vehicle.
Our attorneys can help you navigate a DUI charge and work towards a favorable outcome on your behalf. Depending on the case, we may be able to argue that law enforcement pulled you over without reasonable suspicion or that the chemical BAC tests were somehow faulty.
Meet With a Salisbury, MD Criminal Defense Attorney Today
When your freedom is on the line, it is in your best interests to seek out qualified legal representation. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our Salisbury criminal defense lawyers will work towards the best possible outcome to your case, providing you with sound counsel and representation. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us online or call us at 410-280-2500 today.