Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer On Your Side

When you are charged with a criminal offense, you are left reeling, unsure of what to do in order the achieve the most favorable outcome with the least amount of long-term damage to you and your family. While it is certainly hoped the day will never come when you are charged with a Maryland criminal offense, if that day does arrive, it is crucial that you have a highly experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney by your side from the time you are charged. The reputation and skills of the legal firm you choose can absolutely make the difference between a future filled with adverse consequences and repercussions, and a future with hope.

Contact Scott

Attorney Scott MacMullan understands that you are frightened and anxious about your future. He also understands that our current justice system can place those accused of a criminal offense at an immediate disadvantage. After all, you are facing state prosecutors with virtually unlimited resources. Because of this, you need an attorney who will fight zealously for your rights and your future.  Scott MacMullan is that attorney. When you are facing Maryland criminal charges, do not wait, hoping they will go away—your future depends on the quick, decisive actions you take in securing an attorney. Scott MacMullan understands the Maryland justice system and has the skills necessary to ensure your necessary defense.

It is important to note that whether you believe the criminal charges against you are legitimate or not, you must treat them with the highest degree of seriousness. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor offense or a criminal offense, you should never leave your future to chance. A thorough investigation of the evidence and facts against you is crucial. It is also important that you remember that the state of Maryland must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is also worth noting that prosecutors often “overcharge” criminal offenses, which means your criminal defense attorney has some room to negotiate for lesser charges or lesser penalties.

If the evidence against you is weak, your attorney will bring this to light, and the prosecutor may drop the charges against you. The prosecutor may also choose to “stay” the charges, which means the case can be brought against you once more within a year, but generally only when additional evidence is found. In some instances, you may be eligible for a “probation before judgment.” This means you plead guilty to the charges, then the judge strikes the guilty finding, entering a PBJ, or probation before judgment. This is usually done in first offense cases, or because of other favorable circumstances. Finally, you could be found guilty of the offense, leading to court-ordered penalties, such as time behind bars, monetary fines, and other penalties.

Types of Criminal Offenses Handled by Scott MacMullan Law, LLC

There are many different criminal offenses you could potentially be charged with. Scott MacMullan Law, LLC handles both misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses, including:

  • Assault cases, including first-degree assault, second-degree or simple assault, and reckless endangerment. Since first-degree assault can result in up to 25 years in prison and second-degree or simple assault can result in up to ten years in prison, these are very serious charges, requiring solid representation.
  • Robbery is a felony offense in the state of Maryland, with a potential sentence of up to 5 years in prison, along with fines and restitution to the victim. Armed robbery is a felony offense with a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, fines, and restitution to the victim. Carjacking is a felony, with a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison, fines, and restitution to the victim.
  • Theft—In the state of Maryland, theft is generally defined as depriving a person of property without his or her consent or permission. The criminal offenses of embezzlement, false pretenses, larceny, larceny by trick, and shoplifting all fall under the umbrella of theft. Petty theft usually involves shoplifting, which is a misdemeanor in the state but can nonetheless result in up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. The most serious form of theft is felony theft of merchandise valued between $1,000 to more than $100,000. The penalties for a conviction of felony theft can be as much as 25 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both.
  • Bail Review Hearings—If you are being held on suspicion of a criminal offense, you must receive a bail review hearing before a District Court judge within 24 hours of seeing the commissioner. The judge can lower or raise the bond, release you on your own recognizance or keep you in jail.
  • 8-505 Hearings—In the state of Maryland, a person serving a prison sentence can request that he or she be committed to an inpatient substance abuse treatment program in place of serving a sentence in prison. This is known as a health general commitment and requires an 8-505 hearing.
  • Post-conviction Matters—While a conviction can feel like the end of the line, there are a number of post-conviction proceedings that could potentially shorten, or even eliminate a sentence.
  • Appeals—For defendants who feel their rights were violated, or there were errors made in the conviction process, appeals can be filed.
  • Marijuana Possession and Intent to Distribute Marijuana—In the state of Maryland, possession or use of less than 10 grams of marijuana has been decriminalized, and has only civil penalties rather than an arrest, jail time and a criminal record. Possession of between 10 grams and 50 pounds with potential punishments of up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. The sale of under 50 pounds of marijuana can result in up to five years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.
  • Heroin and Opioid Possession and Intent to Distribute Heroin or Opioids—A conviction for possession of heroin can bring penalties of up to four years in jail and a fine as high as $25,000. Selling heroin is a felony with a penalty of up to 20 years and a fine as high as $25,000. Larger amounts result in more severe penalties. Penalties for opioids are similar, depending on the amount.
  • Naval Academy and Federal Jurisdiction Representation
  • School Disciplinary Hearings
  • DUI and DWI—DUI and DWI offenses can result in serious penalties; DWI is the lesser offense of the two. To avoid many years of adverse consequences, contact a Maryland DUI attorney immediately.
  • Driving on a Suspended License—Driving on a suspended license often goes hand-in-hand with a second or subsequent DUI or DWI charge and has serious penalties on its own.
  • Fleeing and Eluding Charges—The charge of fleeing and eluding a police officer carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail, a fine, and twelve points on your Maryland driving record.
  • MVA Points Hearings

How Can Scott MacMullan Law, LLC, Help You with Your Maryland Criminal Charges?

After being charged with a Maryland criminal offense, you need help and you need it quickly. Scott MacMullan Law, LLC, will protect your rights and fight for your future throughout your criminal case. Attorney Scott MacMullan wants you to know that he will aggressively fight for you, no matter what criminal offense you are charged with. Scott understands that our criminal justice system is often skewed against the rights of the individual from the beginning. Scott was drawn to the legal profession because it gave him the ability to make a difference in everyday, ordinary lives. Scott prides himself on being available and accessible to his clients; he will generally answer calls within one business day. Contact Scott MacMullan Law, LLC, today by calling (443) 494-9775 or email [email protected] for a free case assessment.