CRIMINAL LAW
In Maryland, there are laws all individuals must follow and not violate. If a person does violate a criminal law then they may be charged by the state. All criminal law cases begin in Maryland District Court. In district court a state prosecutor will represent the state against the defendant. The defendant is the person charged with the crime.
A defendant may wish to plead guilty or have a trial unless the state decides to dispose of the case in another manner such as a Nolle Pros or placing the matter on the Stet Docket. A Maryland criminal defense lawyer can explain the options to you in detail.
If a defendant wishes to have a jury trial, the case must then be moved to the Maryland Circuit Court in the county the crime occurred.
Not everyone is entitled to a jury trial, though. The crime the defendant is charged with must carry more than 90 days to have a right to a jury trial.
It is important to understand that there are many areas of criminal law; proper procedure must be followed and several defenses may be available. A Maryland criminal lawyer will look at the facts of your case to determine the best plan of attack. The lawyer will look at the arrest, the evidence, potential witnesses, charging documents and the search to prepare a proper defense.
Everyone has rights and your lawyer will make sure your rights were not violated.
-Was it a good stop?
-Was the search legal?
-Did the police advise the defendant of his/her Miranda rights properly?
While all defendants have the right to defend themselves, it is not advisable.
Consult a criminal defense lawyer so you are properly represented in court.
Find a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer in your area.
