Germantown Criminal Defense Attorneys

Skilled Attorneys for Germantown, MD Criminal Defense Cases

Maryland has some of the harshest sentencing laws in the country. While our laws allow for very severe sentences even for some misdemeanor crimes, parties who are well-represented by skilled criminal defense attorneys are rarely given the strictest sentences allowed by law. The risk of long periods of incarceration for relatively minor convictions makes it particularly important to find an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for you.

The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. understands the fears that come with being criminally prosecuted. You may have seen the type of sentence you could be given if your case does not go well, causing you to fear the worst. Our experienced Germantown, MD criminal defense lawyers are adept at showing the court that harsh sentencing is rarely reasonable or necessary. In many cases, we are able to have our clients' charges reduced or dismissed so that they are left with a clean record.

Substance Abuse-Related Crime in the Germantown Area

The entire state has been hit hard by the drug epidemic. This has led to an increase in arrests for crimes that are driven by addiction. If you are struggling with a substance abuse disorder, you might have the option of going through a diversion program that can keep you out of jail. Some of the most common crimes that are often related to substance abuse include:

• DUI - People who use intoxicating substances on a daily basis are more likely to drive while under the influence. Drug DUIs are becoming more common due to the sheer number of people who struggle with addiction.
• Drug possession - Fortunately, Maryland has recently done away with mandatory minimum sentencing for first-time defendants caught with illicit substances. Diversion programs aimed at treatment are available.
• Underage drinking and cannabis possession - Minors who begin using alcohol, cannabis, or harder substances at a young age are at a greater risk for developing a substance abuse disorder.
• Drug distribution - People who are addicted to substances often spend an extraordinary amount of money supporting their habit. Many of these individuals eventually turn to drug crime to help pay for the substances they now need to feel normal.
• Vehicular and overdose-related manslaughter - Causing a death while driving drunk or high is called vehicular manslaughter, the most serious form of felony DUI. People have also been convicted of manslaughter for selling or providing drugs to people who suffer a fatal overdose.
• Assaults - People who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are often more easily provoked to violence.

Other Offenses Our Germantown Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help With

Other crimes we can help with include:

• Sex crimes - Offenses like sexual assault, rape, online solicitation of a minor, and child pornography are taken extremely seriously. People convicted of these crimes may have to register as a sex offender for a period ranging from 15 years to life.
• Weapons crimes - Maryland is particularly strict on who can carry a weapon and what types of weapons are allowed, with or without a permit. Using or even brandishing a weapon while committing another offense is very likely to lead to felony charges.
• Violent crimes - Domestic violence, felony assault, murder, and manslaughter are all serious violent crimes. Domestic violence is the most common type of violent crimes, as any assault - however minor - against a family member or dating partner is considered domestic violence.

Contact a Germantown, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. will do all it can to protect your rights and keep you from facing harsh sentencing. Our experienced Germantown criminal defense lawyers will strive for the best outcome possible. Contact us at 301-589-9500 for a complimentary consultation.