Wicomico County Criminal Defense

Wicomico County Criminal Defense Attorney

Defense for Misdemeanor & Felony Charges in Wicomico County

Criminal charges can put your rights, freedom, and future at stake. If you’re facing criminal charges in Wicomico County, don’t wait to seek legal help.

At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we provide personalized representation and direct attorney communication throughout your case. Andrew and Cynthia MacDonald bring prosecutorial experience to our defense practice. As a prosecutor, Andrew tried cases ranging from DUI to murder and completed more than 100 jury trials. His background informs how we evaluate evidence, anticipate the prosecution’s approach, and prepare a legal strategy for each client.

Call our Wicomico County criminal defense attorneys at (410) 348-7809 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Types of Criminal Charges

Criminal charges in Wicomico County range from minor offenses to serious felonies, and the potential consequences depend on the charge and facts. We examine the elements the prosecution must prove, how police collected evidence during searches or traffic stops, and the reliability of witness accounts.

Drug Charges

We defend people charged with possession, distribution, and manufacturing of controlled substances, including cases involving marijuana, opioids, and other drugs. These charges can lead to incarceration, probation, or fines. Our review can include whether a search or seizure was lawful, whether police followed required procedures, and whether the evidence supports each element of the alleged offense.

DUI Charges

A DUI charge in Wicomico County can affect your driver’s license and expose you to fines or incarceration, with greater consequences possible for repeat offenses. We investigate the reason for the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety exercises, and chemical test evidence.

Theft Crimes

We handle theft allegations involving:

Shoplifting
Burglary
Robbery
Fraud

The classification and potential consequences can depend on the value of the property and whether the allegations involve violence or threats. A defense review also considers intent, ownership, witness statements, surveillance footage, and the evidence connecting the accused person to the property.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence allegations can lead to criminal charges, protective orders, and removal from a shared home. We defend people facing domestic assault and other assault accusations by reviewing the accounts of those involved, available physical evidence, and the history surrounding the allegation. These cases require careful attention to both the criminal proceedings and related court orders.

Additional Criminal Matters

Our criminal practice also includes:

Assault
Sexual assault
Bench warrants
Expungements
Appeals

Our attorneys handle both minor and major charges, applying the same detailed preparation to each case while accounting for its evidence and procedural posture.

Direct Attorney Representation & Strategic Planning

We explain the proceedings, discuss your options, and answer your questions as the case develops. You communicate directly with our attorneys rather than through intermediaries, so the people preparing your defense also hear your concerns and account of what happened.

Our approach combines detailed client communication with strategic planning. We assess the prosecution’s evidence, identify legal and factual issues, and prepare for negotiations or court proceedings based on the circumstances. When an arrest, warrant, or upcoming appearance creates an urgent need, we can respond quickly and explain the next step.

What to Expect During Your Criminal Case

Our representation begins with a free initial consultation. The course of a case depends on the charge, available evidence, court scheduling, and whether a negotiated disposition is available, but our work follows a defined process.

Our criminal defense process includes:

Initial consultation: We discuss the charge, the events leading to the arrest or summons, and any immediate court obligations.
Case investigation: We examine the available evidence and identify factual, evidentiary, and procedural issues that require further review.
Legal strategy session: We explain the available options and prepare a strategy based on the charge, evidence, and your priorities.
Court appearances and negotiations: We represent you during scheduled proceedings and communicate with the prosecution when negotiation is appropriate.
Resolution or trial: We continue the representation through an agreed or court-ordered resolution, or prepare the case for trial when necessary.

We keep you informed about developments and decisions that require your input, so you understand what’s happening at each stage.

Request a free consultation with our attorneys: contact us online or call (410) 348-7809.

What Happens After a Maryland Arrest

Every arrested defendant must receive an initial appearance before a court commissioner. The commissioner advises the defendant of the charges and the right to counsel, then determines the conditions of pretrial release or sets bail.

If the commissioner denies pretrial release, or the defendant remains held for 24 hours after the release determination, the defendant must be brought before a judge for a bail review. The judge reviews release separately and decides based on the information and legal standards applicable to the case. No particular release decision is guaranteed.

District Court & Circuit Court Criminal Cases

The District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County hears motor vehicle violations, misdemeanors, and certain felony proceedings. It doesn’t conduct jury trials. Depending on the charge and the right to a jury trial, some matters that begin there can be heard in Circuit Court after a party requests a jury trial.

The Circuit Court for Wicomico County hears more serious criminal matters, juvenile matters, and appeals from the District Court. The charge, requested proceedings, and applicable jurisdictional rules determine where an individual case will be heard. We explain which court is handling the case and prepare clients for the proceedings scheduled there.

Negotiated Resolutions, Trial & Expungement

Criminal proceedings can conclude through negotiation, dismissal, trial, sentencing, or another court disposition. Negotiations don’t guarantee a particular agreement, and the available options depend on the charge, evidence, prior record, prosecution’s position, and applicable Maryland law.

Probation before judgment is a Maryland disposition in which a judge places a defendant on probation instead of entering a judgment of guilt. It isn’t available or appropriate in every case. Whether a person qualifies depends on the offense, record, facts, and the court’s decision.

Expungement eligibility also depends on the disposition and the person’s subsequent record. In most cases, a probation-before-judgment matter can’t be expunged if the person was convicted of another crime within three years after the disposition. It also can’t be expunged while the person is a defendant in a pending criminal case. We handle expungement matters and evaluate eligibility under the law that applies to each person’s records.

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