Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Rockville

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Rockville, Maryland?

  For non-emergency incidents and concerns, contact the Rockville City Police Department at (240) 314-8900.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Rockville, Maryland?

  You can get a copy of a police/incident report in several ways.

  In-person - Go to the Public Safety Headquarters (address below). It is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the Records Section at (240) 773-5330 before going to verify that the report you need is available. Each report costs $10.

  By mail – Mail the following to the Public Safety Headquarters (address below): a completed incident report request form (link below), a photocopy of your photo ID, a money order or check payable to “Montgomery County Government, Maryland” for $10, and a stamped and self-addressed envelope.

  Online – Go to https://records-montgomerycountymd.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/Supporthome.aspx

  Incident Request Form: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/Resources/Files/collision-incident-report/Report%20Dissemination%20Form.pdf

  Mailing Address: Public Safety Headquarters - Records Division 100 Edison Park Drive Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878

• You received a “peace order” from a Rockville judge. What is it?

  Issued by a commissioner or a judge, a peace order requires the respondent named in the order to avoid contact with the party named as the complainant. The respondent is also ordered to refrain from physically harming, threatening, or harassing the complaining party. If you are the named respondent in a peace order, contact a Rockville criminal defense attorney to determine what needs to be done.

• What is Probation Before Judgment and how can it benefit criminal defendants in Rockville?

  Probation Before Judgment or “PBJ” is a law unique to Maryland. According to Maryland Criminal Procedure Section 6-220, the PBJ law authorizes judges to strike the conviction and put the defendant on probation instead. The PBJ case can then be expunged later on, except for drunk driving cases. Please note that defendants in Rockville who were convicted of drunk driving in the last 10 years are not eligible for a PBJ.

• Is possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia now legal in Rockville, MD?

  Possession of marijuana below 10 grams has been reduced to a civil offense for which you will only get a fine. However, if the Rockville police finds more than 10 grams of marijuana in your person, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. Drug paraphernalia possession remains illegal in Maryland.

• Can you remove your criminal arrest record in Rockville from public view?

  Yes. Criminal arrest records in Rockville can be expunged. You can request expungement if you have been acquitted of the charge, the case was dismissed, the charges were dropped, or no charges were filed at all. Cases that were granted Probation Before Judgment, except DUI cases, are also eligible to have the related arrest records removed from public access.

• Can you lose your license if you get convicted of DUI in Rockville, MD?

  Yes, your driver’s license can potentially be revoked following a DUI conviction in Rockville. It is one of the penalties a judge can include in your sentence, particularly if you have a previous DUI conviction. A criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the court to let you retain your license or get a license suspension only.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.