Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyers

Tough, Experienced Defense in Salisbury & Ocean City: (410) 348-7809

If you have been charged with a crime or arrested in Maryland, Ocean City, or anywhere else on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, you need to find an experienced, local criminal defense attorney to aggressively defend you against the charges. Andrew and Cynthia MacDonald have been practicing criminal law on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for 20 years. We know the local procedures and bring extensive experience in Eastern Shore criminal courts. We can use our extensive criminal law experience to accurately advise you on your options and prepare your defense.

Andrew MacDonald’s practice is focused primarily on criminal defense. Cynthia MacDonald also practices in other areas such as estate planning, general civil litigation, business transactions, and personal injury.

What Is a Defense Attorney?

A criminal defense attorney plays an important role throughout the entire criminal proceeding. From the initial consultation with their client to representing them in court and post-trial activities, a competent defense attorney should be able to provide effective legal counsel from start to finish.

At first, a criminal defense lawyer will typically meet with their client and discuss the case details. The lawyer needs to review all of the facts related to the case and explain the possible consequences that may result from it. During this stage, they’ll also help advise their client on how they should plead: guilty or not guilty. The defense lawyer needs to provide honest advice about what actions could lead to a lesser sentence or even dismissal of charges.

However, the defense attorney may negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor, who may be willing to reduce or eliminate charges or offer more lenient sentencing options for a guilty plea. If an agreement can’t be reached, the attorney can advocate for their client’s rights in court and present evidence that could lead to acquittal or a reduction in charges and penalties. Their job is to make sure their clients understand the possible consequences of entering a guilty plea and work toward a favorable resolution.

When the trial begins, a criminal defense attorney’s job is to advocate for a fair and just outcome. This includes providing evidence that can show their client wasn’t guilty, or at least didn’t act with malicious intent. The lawyer must also present an effective closing argument supporting the client’s defense. Furthermore, they may be responsible for filing any appropriate motions during the pre-trial phase and making objections on behalf of their client during the trial itself.

Finally, after the verdict has been announced, a criminal defense attorney may advise clients on possible post-trial activities such as appeals or petitions for leniency. If necessary, they may even represent their client in these proceedings as well.

What We Can Do for You

As former assistant state’s attorneys, we have the criminal law knowledge and experience to prepare a strong defense. We often forward our office calls to our cellphone on nights and weekends so you can reach us anytime. We also represent clients at bail or bond review hearings while their charges are pending. When you need a lawyer, you can turn to our law firm with confidence.

We carefully assess all options for helping our clients achieve their overall goals, including avoiding jail time, keeping their driver’s licenses and other important work qualifications, and keeping their criminal records clean. We’re prepared to defend you at trial if necessary, but we’ll also aggressively pursue a dismissal or a plea offer we can.

Review of Maryland’s Criminal Defense Law

Criminal defense law covers many aspects, which go beyond the criminal justice procedure. The following are some of the most common criminal charges in Maryland and their resultant penalties.

• Alcohol-Related Crimes. These crimes can either be charged as misdemeanors or felonies.
• Fraud and Financial Crimes. These offenses are commonly referred to as white collar crimes. They don’t involve violence and include fraud, federal fraud, money laundering, identity theft, bankruptcy fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud.
• Property Crimes. These are basically offenses against public or private property. They include larceny, burglary, and arson. Other common charges include domestic assault.

Getting arrested on a criminal charge is a serious matter, which has long-term consequences. Maryland’s criminal defense law protects you from unreasonable arrests. You can still enjoy your civil rights even if you’re arrested. Police may arrest you with a warrant or, in circumstances permitted by law, without one. Nonetheless, it isn’t advisable to interfere with the law enforcement officers’ attempt to carry out a lawful arrest since it might land you in more trouble.

When you get charged with a criminal offense, it means that you’re formally under an accusation. Once the prosecutor receives a police report, he/she will make an autonomous decision as to whether charges need to be formally filed or not. The prosecutor can also enlist the assistance of distinguished citizens who will serve as grand jurors.

For a qualifying felony case that hasn’t been indicted by a grand jury, we can represent you at a preliminary hearing, where the District Court determines whether sufficient evidence exists for the case to proceed. The hearing must be requested within 10 days of the defendant’s first appearance before a commissioner.

When you get charged with a criminal offense, it’s recommended to hire a private attorney. You should keep in mind that successfully mounting a criminal defense on your own requires thorough knowledge about the law, making the process highly difficult to navigate without enlisting the services of an attorney.

Defense Strategies for All Criminal Charges in Maryland

If you’re facing a criminal charge, you need to get started working on your defense right away since that allows you more preparation time than if you just wait until the last minute.

We understand the Maryland criminal justice system. We can help you learn about your options for pleas. We can also help you learn about possible deals and defense strategies. You deserve to be informed since the criminal justice proceedings affect your life.

No matter what type of charge you’re facing, you should understand that there are potentially serious penalties you may face if you’re convicted. Some people might be facing fines, incarceration, probation, and community service for crimes like thefts, child pornography, DUIs, DWIs, drug possession, assault, rape, embezzlement, prostitution, harassment, domestic abuse, or felony firearm possession.

We can also help people who are seeking expungement and those who are facing charges in the juvenile justice system. These types of cases require special consideration and preparation.

Extensive Local Criminal Law Experience

Both Andrew and Cynthia MacDonald were criminal prosecutors right here in Wicomico County. As former criminal prosecutors, we handled tough criminal cases appearing in court virtually every day of the week. Andrew MacDonald served as assistant state’s attorney for Wicomico County for more than 10 years, prosecuting every type of criminal case from DUI to murder with more than 100 jury trials under his belt. As a criminal prosecutor for 10 years, until he resigned in February 2007, Andrew MacDonald actually litigated trials in more cases than many defense lawyers try in their entire careers.

Focused on Client Communication

The criminal justice system is a frightening process for many people. Andrew and Cynthia MacDonald recognize that in-person communication with your criminal defense lawyer is important to you. When you retain MacDonald Law Office, LLC to represent you or a family member in a criminal case, either Andrew or Cynthia MacDonald (depending on your preference) will personally handle the case from the initial consultation to the final appearance in court. Unlike large metropolitan firms, you won’t be handed off to a paralegal or a less experienced associate. We strive to be routinely available to promptly address our clients’ questions and concerns either in person, by email, or on the telephone.

Advise. Advocate. Defend.

Addressing the Needs of Specific Groups

Though the bulk of our criminal defense practice is devoted to defending local Maryland residents, including those in white-collar professions who need to carefully protect their reputation, there are several other categories of clients whom we also represent on a regular basis:

• College students: There are potentially some serious long-term consequences for students who are convicted of crimes such as DUI, and we provide a vigorous defense.
• Vacationers: We represent many people who get caught up in the criminal justice system while visiting in Ocean City, Assateague Island National Seashore, and other vacation destinations.

If you fall into one of these categories, we can help you to learn your options and work through your case.

Criminal Defense Can Include Factors Used for Sentencing

Once you’re convicted of a criminal charge, you’ll have to face the sentencing portion of the case. This usually takes place shortly after the conviction in minor cases, such as misdemeanors. In some felony cases, there might be another hearing at which the sentencing takes place.

There are several things that are considered when you’re sentenced for a conviction. These include your criminal history, whether the crime involved another person under duress or not, whether you were the main participant or an accomplice, any injuries, any cruelty, and your remorse for your actions.

The judge will usually consider the prosecution’s recommendation for a sentence. Any character witnesses you call on your behalf, and the probation department’s pre-sentence report are all usually considered while the judge is determining the sentence.

In most cases, the judge has a wide range of penalties from which to choose. There are some exceptions to this, such as when there’s a mandatory minimum sentence. It’s important to understand these guidelines before your sentencing hearing since they can have a big impact on what penalties you’re going to face.

Typically, the judge can sentence you to pay fines, serve time in prison, or spend time on probation. Community service is another option that’s sometimes used.

If you don’t understand the possible sentences that you face for a criminal act, you should find out this information as soon as possible. Having your questions answered in advance regarding sentencing and what factors influence it could help you to plan your defense before you take your case to trial.

Why Choose MacDonald Law Office, LLC for Your Criminal Defense?

When facing criminal charges, it’s crucial to have a strong and experienced defense attorney on your side. MacDonald Law Office, LLC has a team of skilled criminal defense lawyers who are dedicated to protecting your rights and defending you throughout the criminal process.

Here are some reasons why you should choose us for your criminal defense:

• We have extensive local criminal law experience and know how to navigate the Maryland criminal justice system.
• We prioritize client communication and keep you informed every step of the way.
• As former prosecutors, we understand the tactics and strategies used by the prosecution and can use that knowledge to inform your defense.
• We’re focused on defending you against criminal charges and will work tirelessly to pursue a favorable outcome for your case.
• We handle a wide range of criminal charges, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies.

If you’re facing criminal charges in Maryland or Ocean City, call MacDonald Law Office, LLC today at (410) 348-7809 for a tough and experienced defense.

We’re Former Prosecutors Focused on Defending You Against Criminal Charges. Call (410) 348-7809 Today.

Whatever your specific circumstances, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your options with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. We serve clients in Ocean City, Maryland.