Salisbury Violent Crime Attorneys

Criminal prosecutors in the Eastern Shore counties and throughout Maryland are getting increasingly tough on violent crimes and gun crimes. Anyone accused of one of these serious crimes needs an aggressive advocate who will make sure the laws are applied fairly.

At the MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we are former prosecutors who now defend clients against all types of criminal charges, including violent and gun-related charges. Contact us today at our offices in Salisbury and Ocean City for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. 

Contact us online or by calling (410) 348-7809 today!

Defending Clients in State & Federal Court

Any crime that involves the use or threat of force against another person is considered a violent crime. Any crime that involves the use of a firearm is considered a gun crime.

We defend clients in both state and federal court, and we are familiar with the unique characteristics of both systems. We will make sure the prosecutors are held accountable to the standards they must follow before very serious consequences are imposed on anyone accused of a crime.

Can You Be Charged with a Violent Crime if You Didn't Physically Harm Anyone?

You can be charged with a violent crime even if you didn't physically harm anyone. The legal definition of a violent crime often extends beyond physical injury to encompass actions that involve the threat or use of force and put others at risk of harm. This means that even if no physical harm occurs, the mere act of threatening or attempting violence can lead to charges.

One common example is assault. In many jurisdictions, assault can be defined as an intentional act that creates a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact. This means that simply threatening someone with violence or making them fear for their safety can constitute assault, even if no physical contact occurs.

Similarly, robbery is considered a violent crime because it involves taking someone's property through force or the threat of force. If a person uses a weapon or threatens to use a weapon during a robbery, they can be charged with a violent crime, regardless of whether they actually use the weapon or cause physical harm.

Another instance is domestic violence. This type of crime can include various forms of abuse, such as emotional, psychological, or financial abuse. Threatening a partner or family member with harm, or engaging in behavior that controls or intimidates them, can result in domestic violence charges without any physical violence.

Additionally, criminal threats are another category where physical harm is not necessary for a violent crime charge. If someone threatens to kill or severely injure another person, and the victim reasonably fears for their safety, the perpetrator can be charged with making criminal threats, a serious offense that can carry significant penalties.

Fighting Harsh Jail Sentences under the Exile Program

In Wicomico County, which has the third-highest rate of gun crime in the state of Maryland, the Exile program mandates a prison sentence of five years or more for anyone convicted of any violent crime involving a firearm or if a convicted felon is found guilty of illegal gun possession.

While he was a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney Andrew MacDonald designed the county's Exile program. He understands how the system works, what evidence is required to convict someone and how to fight back against unfair prosecution.

Protecting Your Rights in Violent Crime Cases

When facing charges for a violent crime, it's crucial to have a skilled and experienced legal team on your side to protect your rights and provide a strong defense. At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we are committed to defending our clients in both state and federal court, ensuring that they receive fair treatment and due process under the law.

Our team has a proven track record of successfully fighting harsh jail sentences, including those under the Exile Program. We understand the complexities of violent crime cases and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. Our dedicated Salisbury violent criminal attorneys will provide you with the aggressive representation you need to navigate the legal process and protect your future.