Ellicott City, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Skilled Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys for Clients in Ellicott City

A criminal conviction in Maryland can come with serious repercussions for your future, even for seemingly minor misdemeanors. If you do not have strong legal representation at your side when your case goes to trial, you can expect that a prosecutor will push for a harsh sentence with the possibility of years in prison. A criminal defense attorney in Ellicott City can help mitigate the charges against you and protect your rights in court. Attorney Robert Demirji of The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. stands out as a compassionate advocate in criminal law, and when you work with his firm, you can take solace knowing your case will be handled professionally and without judgment.

Traffic Crimes

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we defend clients accused of misdemeanor and felony traffic offenses, including:

• DUI. In Maryland, a first conviction of driving under the influence is prosecuted on misdemeanor charges, with up to $1,000 in fines and no more than a year in jail. However, the charge could be upgraded to a felony if your driving resulted in injury or death, or if you were significantly over the limit for alcohol in your bloodstream.
• Evading the police. Intentionally attempting to flee from Maryland law enforcement is a misdemeanor offense with a possible one-year jail sentence.
• Driving on a suspended license. In Maryland, you can expect a minimum $500 fine and a possible two-month jail sentence for driving with a suspended license. In addition, you will receive traffic points on your driving record, which can result in the revocation of your license.
• Reckless driving. Any willful and dangerous conduct behind the wheel can result in a reckless driving charge in Maryland, prosecuted as a misdemeanor offense with fines between $500 to $1,000.

A conviction of any of these traffic crimes can result in the loss of your driving privileges and hurt your future employment prospects. As such, if these charges are brought against you in court, it is imperative that you retain a qualified criminal defense attorney who can fight on your behalf.

Weapons Crimes

Criminal offenses involving weapons, especially firearms, are harshly prosecuted in Maryland. The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. represents clients accused of weapons crimes, such as:

• Possessing banned weapons. The state of Maryland prohibits citizens from carrying or possessing certain weapons, including pepper spray, bowie knives, switchblades, brass knuckles, and nunchucks. Exceptions are only made for carriers of a handgun permit and police officers, or if carrying the weapon was a reasonable precaution against danger. Generally, this is charged as a misdemeanor with a possible $1,000 fine and up to three years in prison.
• Using a weapon while committing another crime. Some crimes like rape or assault have aggravated sentencing guidelines in cases where a gun or other dangerous weapon was brandished.
• Bringing a firearm onto school property. If you are caught bringing a deadly weapon onto school grounds or a college campus, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by three years in prison and a fine no greater than $1,000.

Laws about guns and weapons in Maryland are not always clear, but you can still face harsh criminal penalties if you are found guilty on weapons charges. The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. is ready to defend against weapons crimes, fighting for your rights and defending your good reputation in a court of law.

Meet With a Criminal Defense Attorney in Ellicott City, MD

The impact of a criminal conviction in Maryland cannot be understated, often carrying serious repercussions for your freedoms. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Ellicott City, the best choice you can make is to seek out legal representation and counsel from a qualified attorney. The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. is available 24/7, and we offer free consultations to any prospective clients. To get started, call our office at 301-589-9500 or contact us online.