Takoma Park Criminal Defense Lawyer

Supportive Maryland Attorneys Defending Clients in Takoma Park Against Criminal Charges

A criminal charge in Maryland is something you need to take seriously. Incarceration, heavy fines, and the loss of your freedoms are all possible outcomes of a conviction in court. The thought of standing trial for an offense can be intimidating, but with the help of a criminal defense attorney in Takoma Park, you can effectively contest a charge and safeguard your rights.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we believe in providing compassionate representation in criminal defense cases. When you work with our firm, we will handle your case without judgment, working out a strategy for your defense based on clear legal precedents and our prior courtroom successes. Attorney Robert Demirji was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and over his career, he has helped thousands of clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges.

Weapons Crimes

In Maryland, weapon offenses come with severe penalties on a conviction. The crime of carrying a handgun without a permit is charged as a misdemeanor, with a possible three-year prison sentence for a conviction, plus fines. We can argue for mitigating circumstances in your case, such as by demonstrating that you were lawfully transporting an unloaded gun or carrying a handgun on your own property.

Other, more serious gun charges may apply in cases where a gun was used in the commission of another offense. Assault, for example, is charged in the first degree when a person is accused of threatening another person with a gun or actually shooting someone. A conviction carries a prison sentence of up to 25 years. Similarly, charges of rape and sexual assault can be aggravated by the use of a deadly weapon such as a firearm.

Once a judge or jury believes you to be a dangerous or violent person, that stigma can be hard to shake. Hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is critical for contesting weapons-related charges.

Drug Trafficking

Compared to simple possession, drug trafficking and distribution carry much stricter penalties in Maryland. If you are assumed to be part of a large-scale operation, the federal government may opt to prosecute your case, which has larger stakes for your freedom. Getting caught with a large quantity of drugs can lead to distribution or trafficking charges, so it is imperative that you work with a dedicated lawyer who can defend you in court.

In every case, we will interrogate the procedures of law enforcement, looking for evidence of wrongdoing. If your property was illegally searched or seized, we can invoke your constitutional rights in the courtroom to protect you.

Domestic Violence

If you have been accused of assaulting a member of your household, a family member, or a romantic/sexual partner, you could be charged with domestic violence. Under Maryland law, domestic violence is charged as assault in the first or second degree rather than as a separate crime. Second-degree assault can cover light physical contact such as tossing a drink or threatening behavior like punching a wall next to somebody. Even if no harm was done, a misdemeanor charge of second-degree assault can result in a 10-year prison sentence.

A judge or prosecutor may not be as forgiving to those charged with domestic violence instead of simple assault. Defending against charges of domestic violence involves a careful examination of the circumstances and a strong defense from an attorney who has experience in these types of cases.

Meet With a Takoma Park, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested on misdemeanor or felony charges in Takoma Park, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we will provide you with individual attention and help you work out the best strategy for your case. To schedule a free consultation with our firm today, call us at 301-589-9500 or reach out to us online.