Scrofano Law: Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer
Criminal charges are scary and when you need a Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer, you should look no further than the firm of Scrofano Law PC. Contact us now!
Montgomery County Criminal Attorney
A skilled criminal attorney is essential if you are charged with a crime in Montgomery County.
Although the Department of Justice claims that this county has “an extremely low crime rate,” crime still exists in Montgomery County, which is in the state of Maryland. Aside from being the second most populous county in Maryland, Montgomery is also one of the wealthiest counties in the country.
If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime in Montgomery County, consider contacting an experienced criminal lawyer from the firm of Scrofano Law for legal help. Skilled attorneys have handled hundreds of criminal cases and may provide you with the guidance you need.
Basics of Criminal Law in Montgomery County
Crimes are acts that society has deemed unacceptable and punishable by either fines or imprisonment. Criminal laws vary from state to state and, sometimes, from county to county.
Laws defining conduct that can be punished by state are referred to as criminal law. It also defines how people accused of breaking an alleged crime should be treated.
The Montgomery County Criminal Court handles all criminal cases in Montgomery County, including:
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Felonies: The most serious criminal charges, which may result in a sentence of life imprisonment or death.
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Misdemeanors: Less serious crimes with a possible sentence of fines, probation, or imprisonment for up to one year.
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Traffic violations: Violations of state traffic laws such as speeding or running a red light.
An experienced criminal attorney from Montgomery County could provide valuable insight and possibly introduce reasonable doubt into the mind of a juror.
How Does a Criminal Case Work?
A criminal defense case process can be broken down into three stages: pre-trial, trial, and post-trial.
Pre-trial Stage
In the pre-trial stage, the accused has to be formally charged with the crime. The prosecutor must then present evidence to prove that the accused committed the crime. The defense attorney can cross-examine witnesses and introduce evidence on behalf of their client.
The prosecution may drop charges in some cases if the evidence is not enough for a conviction. In the event that there is sufficient evidence for a conviction, an arraignment will take place where the accused will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty and be informed of their rights.
Even in the pre-trial stage, a Montgomery County criminal lawyer is essential because they can explain all charges against you and perhaps fight to reduce them.
Criminal Trial Stage
An inquiry determines liability, responsibility, fault, or similar concepts, while a trial determines guilt or innocence. It may include:
- Selection of jury members
- Presentation of evidence
- Questioning witnesses
- Attorney arguments
Afterward, the jury deliberates before reading the verdict. Contact a Montgomery county criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation to develop an effective defense strategy.
Post-trial Stage
Once a verdict has been reached and announced, the case goes into post-trial. If the person is found “not guilty,” they will be released from the criminal justice system. If a guilty verdict is returned, the defendant receives a criminal conviction and will be sentenced.
What Crimes Do Criminal Lawyers Defend?
Criminal lawyers defend their clients against a range of criminal charges. Defendants can hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent them in court to prove that the accused is not guilty and not responsible for the crime. They can also help negotiate a plea bargain. Scrofano Law handles a variety of criminal cases, including:
- Assault
- Domestic violence
- Drug crimes
- Fake ID charges
- Juvenile crimes
- Prostitution and sex crimes
- Reckless driving
- Maryland theft offenses
If you need criminal defense lawyers, selecting those with experience in the court district where you were charged is critical. Due to their familiarity with the court’s procedures, the police, and the judicial and prosecutorial staff, the lawyer can better protect your rights.
What Are Possible Penalties for Violations of Criminal Law in Maryland?
Violations of the criminal law in Maryland can be punished in various ways based on their severity and whether they are classified as misdemeanors or felonies. Usually, statute violations are punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
A person’s crimes will also be permanently recorded on their criminal record if convicted. In the long run, this can make it challenging to get specific jobs and limit your housing options.
Montgomery Criminal Attorneys: How Can They Help You?
The role of an attorney is to provide legal advice and to represent you in court. Their educational requirements include a law degree, licensing by the state, and years of experience. An attorney can handle many aspects of your case, including:
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Making sure that your rights are protected
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Determining whether or not you are guilty
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Helping you find the best plea bargain or sentence for your case
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Scheduling court dates and hearings
Time is of the essence if you or a loved one has been charged with committing a criminal offense. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney can provide solutions and offer peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about criminal law.
What Does a Crime Charge Mean?
The charge of a crime is the formal accusation that you have committed the crime. After investigating your case, a prosecutor files a charge against you in court.
How Does Criminal Law Differ from Civil Law?
Criminal law is the body of law that defines crimes and their punishments. Criminal laws are more severe than civil laws because they deal with people’s physical safety and rights to life, liberty, and property.
Civil law, however, deals with issues like property, contracts, and personal injury. It also deals with disputes between individuals or organizations. Civil laws are more about private matters that affect one person’s rights to what belongs to them.
Criminal law is enforced by the state, whereas a court of law enforces civil law.
In Criminal Cases, What Are the Most Common Defenses?
A person can claim self-defense or necessity as a defense to a crime in the United States. Another type of defense is that the person was incompetent at the time of the crime.
