Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, MD Criminal Defense FAQs

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

  311 is the non-emergency contact number of the local police station in Baltimore.

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

  To obtain incident reports, you may either submit a request using the mail-in form provided below or send an email to CCU@baltimorepolice.org. Upon receiving your request, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) will provide you with disclosable records within thirty days. Please note that fees may apply depending on the nature of your request. In such cases, you will be notified and required to pay the applicable fees before your request is processed.

  To submit the mail-in form, send it to the following address:

  Baltimore Police Department Attention: Community Correspondence Unit 242 W. 29th Street Baltimore, Md. 21211

• What should you do if you are arrested in Baltimore?

  If you get arrested in Baltimore, be aware that anything you say to the police can be used against you. Avoid answering questions and contact a Baltimore criminal defense lawyer promptly. The police will book you and ask some basic questions, which you may need to answer. However, custodial interrogation occurs when they ask questions about the alleged crime while you are under arrest, and at this point, you must be informed of your Miranda rights. Invoke your right to remain silent and to have a lawyer present.

• What are some felony offenses that a Baltimore criminal lawyer can handle?

  Some of the felony offenses a Baltimore criminal lawyer can handle include homicide, sex crimes, fraud (including credit card fraud), first-degree assault, first, second, and third-degree burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, and possession with intent to distribute. The punishment for a felony offense in Baltimore varies depending on the severity of the crime and the circumstances of the case. Felony offenses are typically punishable by a fine, imprisonment for a period of more than one year, or both.

• When should you hire a criminal defense lawyer in Baltimore?

  It's important to hire a Baltimore criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, even before being charged. Waiting until the trial is last minute and not advisable. Hiring a lawyer immediately after an arrest can help to get ahead of the charges, potentially identifying tainted evidence and preventing it from being used in court. This can lead to filing a motion to dismiss or convince prosecutors to drop the charges, saving you from going through a trial.

• Do you still need a Baltimore criminal defense attorney if you're going to plead guilty?

  Yes. It is recommended to seek advice from a criminal defense lawyer in Baltimore as they may be able to negotiate a reduced charge or sentence. If you represent yourself or have a court-appointed lawyer, there is a chance of receiving harsher punishments. It is important to exercise your right to have a lawyer represent you and not delay in doing so.

• What are the potential consequences of a misdemeanor conviction in Baltimore?

  Misdemeanor convictions carry the potential for a jail sentence of up to one year, in addition to fines, probation, and other sanctions such as loss of a driver’s license or security clearance. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor crime in Baltimore, it's crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer who is experienced in handling such cases.