Violent Crime Attorney in Ocean City

Secure the High-Stakes Defense You Deserve by Calling (410) 348-7809

A violent crime accusation in Ocean City can affect your freedom, your record, and your family in an instant. You may be worried about jail, confused about the charges, and unsure what to say or do next. You do not have to navigate this alone.

At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we defend people across the Eastern Shore who are facing serious criminal allegations, including violent offenses that begin in Ocean City and move through Worcester County courts. Our attorneys, Andrew and Cynthia MacDonald, previously served as prosecutors, and we now use that insight to protect the rights of people accused of crimes.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or is under investigation, we can step in quickly, explain what to expect, and start planning a defense. You can call (410) 348-7809 or reach out online to talk with our violent crime attorneys in Ocean City about your situation.

Understanding Violent Crime Laws in Maryland

Maryland law provides a comprehensive list of what constitutes a "crime of violence." This distinction is critical because it dictates the severity of the pre-trial process and the length of any potential sentence. As an Ocean City violent crime lawyer, we handle a wide array of these serious allegations, including:

• First-Degree Assault: Under § 3-202, this is a felony involving the intentional causation or attempt to cause "serious physical injury" to another. It also applies to any assault involving a firearm, regardless of whether a shot was fired or anyone was hurt.
• Robbery and Armed Robbery: Taking property from another by force or threat. If a "dangerous weapon" is used—even if it is a replica—the maximum penalty increases from 15 years to 20 years.
• Carjacking: The forceful taking of a motor vehicle from the person in actual possession of it. This is a felony carrying up to 30 years in prison.
• Murder and Manslaughter: Ranging from first-degree premeditated murder to voluntary manslaughter. Recent 2024 and 2025 legislative updates, such as the "Real Time for Violent Crime Act," have significantly limited the ability to reduce these sentences through "good time" credits.
• Abduction and Kidnapping: The unlawful taking or confinement of an individual against their will.
• Domestic Violence-Related Offenses: In Maryland, domestic violence cases often involve charges such as first- or second-degree assault between spouses, partners, family members, or household members.

It is important to understand that in Maryland, even an attempt to commit any of these crimes is legally classified as a "crime of violence" and carries the same heavy weight during sentencing.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Violent Crime Convictions in Maryland

The consequences of a violent crime conviction in Maryland are life-altering. Under recent 2025 and 2026 updates to the law, the state has moved toward "Truth in Sentencing," meaning you will serve a much higher percentage of your sentence than in years past.

• Mandatory Minimums: Many violent crimes carry a "5-year no-parole" mandatory minimum if a firearm was involved.
• Diminution Credits (Good Time): For crimes of violence, inmates are now limited to accruing credits that reduce their sentence by no more than 10%. For murder convictions, these credits have been largely eliminated entirely.
• Parole Eligibility: You are generally not eligible for parole until you have served at least 50% of your sentence.
• Loss of Rights: A conviction means a lifetime ban on possessing a firearm, the loss of your right to vote (until the completion of your sentence), and a permanent felony record.
• Ocean City Specific Impacts: A violent crime record can lead to immediate barring from boardwalk establishments, loss of professional licenses in the hospitality or fishing industries, and severe restrictions on housing.

The Maryland Criminal Defense Process in Ocean City

Navigating the court system in Worcester County requires a local perspective and a strategic timeline:

• Initial Appearance: Because violent crimes are high-stakes, District Court Commissioners often deny bail initially. We represent you at your bail review to argue for your release.
• Preliminary Hearing: We use this hearing to force the State to present their evidence early, allowing us to find weaknesses in their witnesses' stories.
• Indictment: Serious violent felonies are moved to the Circuit Court in Snow Hill via a Grand Jury indictment.
• Discovery and Depositions: We demand all body-camera footage, forensic lab results, and witness statements. As former prosecutors, we know where to look for "Brady material"—evidence that might prove your innocence but was hidden by the state.
• Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence if the Ocean City Police Department conducted an illegal search or if your Miranda rights were violated during questioning.

Why Choose MacDonald Law Office, LLC

When you are facing a violent felony or serious misdemeanor, the lawyer you choose matters. Our firm is led by two attorneys who spent years on the other side of the courtroom before focusing on criminal defense. As former prosecutors, we understand how the state investigates, evaluates, and prepares violent crime cases.

That perspective helps us anticipate how a prosecutor might view your file, which evidence they may rely on, and where weaknesses might exist. We have been involved in a full range of criminal matters, including major crimes such as homicide, so high-stakes litigation is not new to us. This background informs how we approach every violent crime defense in this area.

We are also a small, client-focused firm, not a large office where you rarely speak with a lawyer. At MacDonald Law Office, you work directly with Andrew or Cynthia, not through layers of staff. We take time to explain charges, court dates, and options in plain language, and we encourage questions so you understand what is happening.

Our office is in Salisbury, across from the district court, and we regularly represent clients whose cases began in Ocean City and then move through Worcester County District Court or Circuit Court. Because we regularly appear in Eastern Shore courts, we are familiar with procedures in this region, and we use that knowledge when advising you about realistic outcomes.

How We Approach Violent Crime Defense

Talk To Our Violent Crime Defense Lawyers in Salisbury Team

Violent crime charges connected to Ocean City bring serious risks, but they also involve legal questions and options that should be fully explored. You do not have to make decisions about statements, pleas, or trials on your own, and you do not have to guess about what might happen next in court.

At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, our attorneys are former prosecutors who now focus on defending people across the Eastern Shore. We provide personal attention, clear communication, and thoughtful planning for each case. If you are looking for a violent crime lawyer in Ocean City, we are ready to speak with you about your situation and next steps.

To talk with an attorney about your charges and possible options, contact us today at (410) 348-7809.