Daniel J. Wright

20 Courthouse Square Suite 212 Rockville, MD 20850

Criminal Defense Lawyer Rockville MD

Criminal Defense Lawyer Rockville MD

If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer Rockville Maryland endorses, there are several to choose from. However, you may want to consider the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright. With more than 35 years of experience, Daniel J. Wright is an attorney who can fight for you and win you the justice you deserve. With numerous awards and accolades, he is a criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD you can trust to be on your side.

When reading through our testimonials, you can hear our clients mention how knowledgeable, thoughtful, dependable, reliable, and personable Daniel Wright is. We strive to meet our client’s expectations and even surpass them. We are a criminal defense lawyer Rockville MD can call on to meet their needs.

  • Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

    • Criminal Defense

    If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you may want an experienced and determined criminal defense lawyer from Rockville MD to help you receive the accurate ruling. We are known to outrival debates with the other party to lessen the sentence or have the charges dismissed altogether.

    There can be confusion when it comes to which misconducts are considered criminal felonies. Here are a few examples that would be placed into that category:

    • Homicide;
    • Drunk driving;
    • Drug-related crimes;
    • Child abuse;
    • Domestic abuse;
    • Fraud; and
    • Battery.

    If you have been charged with any of the crimes listed above, you may want to call a criminal defense lawyer Rockville MD provides, such as Daniel Wright. We also assist with misdemeanors and can work hard to minimize these crimes from your record, attempt to lessen the sentence one of these charges may bring, and help you to move past this unfortunate event.

    If this is your first time charged with a crime, a Rockville criminal defense lawyer can help you through the process of what to do, what to say, and where to go from here. We understand it can be a frightening time, especially if this is your first crime against you. Attorney Wright is a criminal defense lawyer Rockville MD can trust to call on during this worrying time.

    There are several cases in which an innocent person was put behind bars for a crime they did not commit. We know there is always a chance of errors, but we are a firm that works around the clock to make sure this does not happen to our clients.

    How to Act When Being Arrested for a Crime

    As soon as a person realizes they are about to get arrested for a crime, he or she may start by contacting a Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer. In most cases, you may plead your innocence to the officer. Someone who has never been arrested before may become flooded with shock and disorientation. However, this is not the time to make passionate statements to defend yourself, as what you say may be used to convict you of the accused crime. The likelihood of the officer letting the person go after being placed into handcuffs is quite low. Perhaps the best thing a person can do is follow the tips listed here, and consult with a criminal defense lawyer in Rockville Maryland as soon as possible.

    When you are charged with a crime, you may be wondering if you can represent yourself in court on your own or if you need a Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer. While there may be certain legal matters where you can represent yourself without the help of a lawyer (such as with a speeding ticket), you should seek help from a legal professional who specializes in criminal defense if a police officer has charged you with a crime. Daniel J. Wright, a criminal defense lawyer from Rockville MD understands that seeking out legal help can be stressful, but having a criminal defense lawyer on your side can greatly improve your chances of a more positive outcome. If this is the first time you have been charged with a crime, you may have many questions. Our criminal defense lawyer from Rockville MD have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions they get regarding criminal defense and the steps a person should take when charged with a crime.

    Q: What is the most important thing to remember during an arrest?

    A: Remain quiet, unless you have to provide information about yourself like your name for booking purposes. When a person feels they are innocent, they may become angry towards the officer for the arrest and attempt to convince him or her how a misunderstanding occurred. Law enforcement may try to ask you questions about the incident in an attempt to get you say something to incriminate yourself. In a moment of fear, a person may start rambling every single detail possible. Despite how scared you may feel, request a Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer before talking with police.

    Q: Is it the officer’s job to convict me of the crime?

    A: The officer is not the one deciding whether you are guilty or not; he or she is simply taking you into custody. Instead, it will be the prosecutor’s job to try and prove you are guilty. Therefore, you really should not be talking with the police at all aside from what is absolutely necessary. Additionally, do not talk with cellmates or anyone else about the arrest besides your Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer.

    Q: Is it okay to make a call at the jailhouse telephone?

    A: All incoming and outgoing calls for inmates are recorded and can be used as proof against you. It is not wise to call your family member, significant other, or someone else and talk about the crime. Using a code language may only come back to bite you since most officers are well-versed on slang terminology and euphemisms. Wait until you are in a private, non-recorded setting with your Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer before talking about the arrest.

    Q: What happens if I tell my criminal lawyer the truth?

    A: Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes the accused may do is lie to their criminal defense lawyer about what happened. Many people fear that their lawyer will betray them if they admit to this or that. The livelihood, reputation, and career of your criminal defense lawyer depends on keeping communications private. If you do not share all the facts regarding the situation with your Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer, he or she may find out about these lies later on anyway. But once that information comes to light, it may be too late to create a helpful defense for you.

    Q: What happens once I am arrested?

    A: When a police officer arrests someone, it is typical for them to be brought to the police station and booked. At this point, it is best that your first call be to a Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer. Once you are arrested, the police officer will take your personal information, run background searches, and see if you have any prior criminal activity on your record. Once they have gathered this information, the can determine if they should release you and if a bail needs to be set.

    Q: Do I need to answer the questions the police officer asks me?

    A: No. While there is certain basic information that a person must provide to a police officer (such as their name), the law does not require them to answer any additional questions. Once a police officer begins asking questions, you have the right to remain silent and ask to speak with your Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer. Even stating that you are not responsible for the crime in question could impact your case. It is important to keep in mind that anything you say to a police officer can be used against you in court.  

    Q: What does it mean if there is a warrant out for my arrest?

    A: When a police officer notifies you that there is a warrant out for your arrest, the first thing you should do is speak with your criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD to determine what the warrant is for and what the best course of action is for you to take. It may be possible to have a judge remove your warrant with Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer by your side.

    Q: What does it mean to be released on bail?

    A: If a police officer releases you on bail, it means that someone made a payment on your behalf to have you released from jail. Depending on the circumstances, someone may pay this to the court who issued the order of detention in jail or to the facility that is holding you.

    If a police officer has charged you with a crime and you are unsure of what your next steps are, you should seek the help of a Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer you can trust like Daniel J. Wright. We will review your case and determine the best next steps.  

    Arrested? Here’s What and What Not to Do

    Getting arrested — especially when you aren’t expecting it —  isn’t a pleasant experience. While your first impulse may be to protest and declare your innocence, it’s not a smart idea. You have the right to remain silent, so take advantage. Then, when you are taken downtown and booked, make sure the phone call to which you are entitled is to a criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD. The attorneys at the law firm of Daniel J. Wright have the experience and the knowledge to fight for your rights, and may be able to get the charges against you reduced, or dropped altogether.

    How Serious Is the Crime?

    Criminal violations fall under one of two categories:

    • Felonies
    • Misdemeanors

    People are not always arrested on misdemeanor charges. When they are, it is often because they have failed to answer a citation or show up for a court date. A common example is that of someone who has many unpaid traffic tickets. That said, there are a number of misdemeanors that can rate significant fines and even jail or prison time. Misdemeanors in the state of Maryland are classified as 2nd-degree or 1st-degree. 2nd-degree misdemeanors are less serious in nature, and include:

    • Public drunkenness
    • Disorderly conduct
    • Simple assault (such as a bar fight)
    • Vandalism
    • Harassment 

    A conviction on one of these charges can result in a jail term of up to six months.

    1st-degree misdemeanors are more serious and can result in up to one year of incarceration. Some of these are:

    • Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
    • Operating a motor vehicle without a valid license
    • Prostitution
    • Child abuse
    • Sending lewd images or material over a computer network
    • Spamming

    In addition to fines and jail time, misdemeanor convictions can lead to the loss of licenses and public-sector employment, not to mention damage to the offender’s public image and reputation (something to keep in mind for high-profile individuals). 

    The good news for many guilty first-time offenders is that a criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD can convince the court to impose a lighter sentence, such as credit for time served, probation, public service or mandatory classes (common for more serious traffic violations and assault cases). 

    Can I Represent Myself?

    Legally, anyone can represent themselves in a court of law, but it is not a good idea. A criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD knows all the ins and outs of the state criminal code. Furthermore, as per the Miranda warning (which the officer is required to read aloud at the time of arrest), anything and everything you say can and will be used against you.  In fact, from the moment you’re placed in handcuffs, your best strategy is to say nothing to anyone except your lawyer. 

    When you do meet with counsel, it is absolutely vital that you speak honestly about what happened. Lies and half-truths can seriously harm your defense as well as the reputation of your attorney. Remember that all communications between you and your lawyer are strictly confidential. Call the offices of Daniel J. Wright if you have additional questions.

    When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

    If you are facing criminal charges, the process can be incredibly stressful. The pressure to prove your innocence can be significant, and you might be wondering what you should do next. Even if you know you have not done anything wrong, it is still important to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD, such as Daniel J. Wright, who can advocate for your rights and protect your interest. What are a few examples of situations where you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer?

    You Are Facing Charges of Assault and Battery

    If you are facing any charges of violence against another person, it is critical for you to hire a criminal defense lawyer who can investigate the case and advocate on your behalf. Some of the most common violence charges include assault and battery. Assault and battery come in many shapes and forms, so you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer who understands what this means and how to formulate a cogent defense. 

    You Are Facing Drug and Alcohol Charges

    Drug and alcohol charges can be serious. Even if you know you have committed a crime related to drugs and alcohol, a criminal defense lawyer might be able to negotiate a deal on your behalf that can result in rehab instead of prison. If you are confident that you have not done anything wrong, then you need to work with a criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD who can prove your case to a jury. Drug and alcohol charges are always taken seriously, which is why you need to take them seriously as well.

    You Are Facing Financial Charges 

    Financial charges can be exceedingly complex. They can be filled with a lot of jargon, and the penalties can be high. You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer who has a tremendous amount of experience defending clients against charges of fraud, money laundering, and other financial issues. That way, you can protect yourself, your family, and your future aspirations.

    Five Misconceptions About Criminal Cases

    Thanks to the popularity of police procedural shows on TV such as Criminal Minds, NCIS, and CSI, the public at large has a greater understanding of how law enforcement works. Or do they? Here are five misconceptions about criminal proceedings.

    You Get To Make a Phone Call

    You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney. You don’t have the right to make a phone call. While some jurisdictions may have codified a phone call for you, not all have done so. It’s often at the discretion of the arresting officer, so make sure you’re polite to have a better chance when you ask about making a call to Daniel J. Wright or another defense lawyer.

    You Must Be Read the Miranda Warning

    The Miranda Warning doesn’t have to be read until police are questioning you. Anything you say before that can still be used against you in court, as can spontaneous statements after you’ve been Mirandized. A criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD, might advise you to stay politely quiet during any interaction with the police.

    You Can’t Be Tried Twice for the Same Crime

    Generally speaking, this is true. However, there are some major exceptions. One example is if you’re tried for the same crime on a state level, then again on the federal level. Another example is if you’re charged with the crime and conspiracy to commit the crime, which gives prosecutors an extra chance to convict you. A criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD, such as Daniel J. Wright, may explain in your particular case why double jeopardy does or doesn’t apply.

    You Have Charges Pressed by the Victim

    The victim of the crime is treated as a complaining witness. It’s really the prosecutor who decides whether or not to press charges. Your crime is considered a crime against society or the state itself, so the prosecutor pursues a case on the behalf of the state. If the witness changes his or her mind and doesn’t want you arrested, the prosecutor is under no obligation to go along with those wishes.

    You Pleading Guilty Means You’re Guilty

    Just because you plead guilty doesn’t mean you’re actually guilty. Your criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD may have worked out a plea bargain with the prosecutor’s office, reducing the charges against you, on the condition you plead guilty to those charges. The vast majority of criminal cases end like this, while only a small number are prosecuted. 

    Five Misconceptions About Criminal Cases Infographic

    Five Misconceptions About Criminal Cases Infographic

    Rockville Criminal Law Statistics

    According to a Pew Research Center analysis of data collected by the federal judiciary, Only 2 percent of federal criminal defendants go to trial. The overwhelming majority (90 percent) plead guilty instead, while the remaining 8 percent have their cases dismissed.

    Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

    Even if you know you have not done anything wrong, the stakes are high whenever you are facing criminal charges. Therefore, you need to put yourself in the best position possible to succeed by hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Rockville MD, such as Daniel J. Wright. You must protect your rights, and an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you do exactly that.

    Choose the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright

    With decades of experience, and several awards acknowledging our exceptional work in this field, we are a law office you can trust to be there for you during this difficult time. Call us today if you have recently been charged with a criminal offense to see for yourself why so many people have raved about us. We understand this can be a hard time on not only you, but also your entire family. We want to relieve some of that stress that has been placed on your shoulders, so call Daniel J. Wright, a criminal defense lawyer Rockville MD can trust.

    Client Review

    “He handled my custody case and he was fantastic. He worked really hard to get the best outcome for my family, and we were very satisfied with his services. He also returns calls and emails in a very timely manner which I really appreciated. Very thankful I choose him as my attorney.”
    Christi W
    Client Review