Criminal Defense Lawyers Rockville MD

Criminal Defense Lawyers Rockville MD

If you have been charged with a crime and are thinking to yourself “I didn’t do it, so why would I need the best criminal defense lawyers, Rockville, MD offers?” It is advisable to think again. Following any type of criminal charge, you should be ready to retain the best criminal defense lawyers in Rockville, MD who can review your case and help you to understand your rights and options. For an immediate consultation with a criminal lawyer, please call The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright.

Being charged with a misdemeanor or felony, or even just being investigated for a crime, can cause immense feelings of not knowing what to do. The sheer amount of stress could lead to panic and wrong decisions that only hurt you rather than help. Obtaining the best criminal defense lawyers in Rockville, MD may be able to prevent these things from happening.

Misdemeanors Are Serious Too…

Sometimes a person will make the mistake in thinking that because they have been charged with a misdemeanor, it’s not really a big deal. Yes, the penalties may be less than those of a felony, but they are nothing to take lightly. Apart from thousands of dollars in fines, you could face jail time, probation, and a permanent criminal record. As the best criminal defense lawyer in Rockville, MD, we have helped clients have their misdemeanor charges reduced or dropped. If you have been charged with any of the following, give The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright a call to find out what we may be able to do for you. Daniel J. Wright represents cases pertaining to:

  • Simple assault
  • Domestic violence
  • Assault and battery
  • Trespassing
  • Loitering
  • Shoplifting
  • Marijuana possession
  • Drug possession
  • Destruction of property
  • Obstruction of justice

In addition to these common offenses, some driving-related offenses can be counted as misdemeanors. If you were caught driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, or driving on a suspended license, the best criminal defense lawyer in Rockville, MD knows that without legal help, you may be at risk of obtaining a criminal conviction

A Felony Charge Could Have Serious Consequences

You should not delay in contacting the best criminal defense lawyer in Rockville, MD for help with these charges. The sooner you do so, the more able you may be to have your charges reduced or dropped. Common felony charges include:

  • Distribution of drugs
  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Armed robbery
  • Possession of an illegal weapon
  • Embezzlement
  • Grand larceny
  • Fraud
  • Sex crimes
  • Manslaughter
  • Homicide

Protect Your Rights and Make the Most of Your Options, Call the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer Rockville, MD Residents Rely On

Yes, you can have a public defender to help you with your case; however, many of these professionals are overworked and unable to put the necessary time and attention needed into each case. Realistically, you might not be able to afford this risk, making it essential that you contact The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright. To ensure your rights and options are protected, call a criminal defense lawyer from Rockville, MD as soon as possible.

You are in the unenviable position of being charged with a crime, and now what? How do you know where to turn for legal help? Who can you trust? Not all criminal defense lawyers in Rockville MD are equal. Daniel J. Wright of the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright has successfully defended community members for more than 35 years. If you are in need of a Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer with experience and a thorough understanding of the law, call our office and receive an initial consultation.

Turning to Criminal Defense Lawyers Rockville MD Offers

Statistically speaking, you are better served if you are represented by an attorney rather than yourself, especially if you are facing the possibility of a prison sentence. In part, this is because each case is unique, and the circumstances are never the same. However, an experienced criminal lawyer can guide you through the maze of the court system and dealing with the prosecutors, the judge, the jury, and other factors in your case.

As an experienced Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer, Daniel J. Wright can develop the legal strategy you need and which offers you the best chance for a successful outcome. Is your future worth the gamble of using a public defender to represent you?

How can a Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer help me?

As an experienced criminal defense attorney, Daniel J. Wright is familiar with the various factors that may have an effect on your case and how to defend against them. Taking a proactive approach is critical, and can only be done by those who are experienced with the criminal justice system.

Criminal defense lawyers Rockville MD community members hire are tasked with many objectives. Depending on the nature of your case, that may include any of the following:

  • Collecting information from witnesses and the crime scene. Considering the physical evidence is also important, and your defense attorney will have access to that which the prosecution has collected.
  • A criminal defense lawyer is familiar with the way certain prosecutors settle cases and how to appeal to that particular prosecutor. Along those same lines, Daniel J. Wright is experienced in negotiating plea bargains or ‘deals’ in exchange for a lesser sentence or reduced charges.
  • Daniel J. Wright can provide you with a realistic perspective of what may happen if your case goes to trial. This is important because a more objective point of view can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to accept a plea offer.
  • If necessary, we can employ private investigators to validate or contradict a prosecution’s witness or physical evidence prior to going to trial.

Very few people choose to represent themselves when charged with a criminal offense, even lawyers who find themselves in court. Public defenders are often overworked, underpaid, and lacking in the experience needed to build a strong defense case. Because of the possible dire consequences of a guilty verdict, including jail time, fines, etc., it is desirable to hire a Rockville MD criminal defense lawyer to represent you such as Daniel J. Wright. He has the experience and resources available to best represent you and protect your rights.

Are you looking for criminal defense lawyers in Rockville MD residents trust?

If you find yourself facing criminal charges and/or were recently arrested for a serious crime, you may require a seasoned criminal defense lawyer to defend you who is educated on the justice system, and who also knows how to make the justice system work for your benefit and for your particular case. Look to Daniel Wright Law for the high-quality criminal defense lawyers Rockville MD has to offer.

Daniel Wright has over 35 years of advocacy through criminal defense for a vast array of cases and clients in both Montgomery County and Rockville County. He focuses on protecting rights, preserving freedoms, and brightening futures. His quality of court representation, preliminary hearing representation, and representation for parole, probation, and expungement issues is of high caliber nature.

At Daniel Wright Law, our criminal defense attorneys pride themselves with excelling at prosecution negotiations with the goal of reducing or dismissing charges. If litigation is a requirement for your case, you can have confidence that the kind of criminal defense lawyers Rockville MD citizens deserve can be found at the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright as our legal professionals have proven skills in the industry.

Years of Maryland Criminal Court Experience

After a criminal arrest, many people are looking for high caliber criminal defense lawyers Rockville MD citizens are proud to have representing them, and are seeking the most ideal legal solution that protects your innocence against a vast array of criminal charges and offenses, such as:

  • Sex crimes;
  • Online crimes;
  • Felony drugs;
  • Robbery crimes;
  • Violent crimes, such as assault;
  • White collar crimes; and
  • Juvenile crimes.

Rockville criminal defense lawyers assist clients with misdemeanor offenses, as well. Even if this is your first encounter with criminal charges, we are confident in our experience that we can handle your case with the goal of helping deter you from hefty punishments and avoid damage to your record as much as possible, so you can ultimately move forward and put this situation behind you.

Common Defenses

The prosecutor has to prove to a jury that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Your lawyer gets the chance to offer a defense for the crime you are accused of committing. There are many criminal defenses that are commonly used. The first one is — “You did not do it”.

This is probably the most common defense. You may argue that you did not commit the crime at all or that someone else had to have done it. If your attorney uses this defense, they may state that the witnesses’ interpretation of what happened is false or that the ingredients necessary to prove your guilt without a reasonable doubt are not present.

  • Presumed Innocent — Anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent by law until they are convicted, either by pleading guilty or through the trial process. It is the duty of the prosecutor to persuade the jury that you are guilty. You do not need to take the stand, nor does your lawyer have to call any witnesses. However, most defense attorneys will have their own witnesses to help strengthen your not guilty plea. Because the burden of proof lies with the prosecutor, the jury (and sometimes the judge) have to feel comfortably certain – not just ‘think’ that you are guilty of the crime.
  • Alibi — Were you somewhere else when the crime was committed and can you prove it? A friend’s testimony, a movie ticket stub, credit card receipts all stated you were not able to be where they accused you of being at the time of the crime.

Okay, maybe you did do the crime, but you have a reason. Here are a few defenses that are commonly used:

  • Self-Defense — If you are charged with murder, assault, or battery this is a common defense. You were justified in using violence because the other person was threatening to harm you. Your attorney will need to prove that the other party was the aggressor and that it was necessary for you to use violence in self-defense.  In addition, was the extent of violence that you used considered reasonable for the presumed threat you were experiencing?
  • Insanity — This is a very difficult defense to prove as it is subjective to testimonies of experts. Even if you are found innocent because of insanity, you may be committed to a mental institution.
  • Under the influence of drugs and alcohol — The general thought here is that you should be aware of how alcohol and drugs affect you and this is not an excuse for your behavior. It may, however, in some states, be part of your defense as intent may not be able to be proved.
  • Entrapment — This is hard to prove and an extremely difficult defense. Law enforcement officials offer situations for you to commit crimes that are not considered entrapment.

A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the law as it pertains to the crime you are accused of committing. Contact an experienced lawyer to help you wade through the confusing and sometimes overwhelming legal system.

Dos and Don’ts for Criminal Defendants

Do Hire an Attorney

A criminal conviction can be devastating to a person’s livelihood and future. If you are charged with a crime, you need to take it seriously. You should immediately take steps to protect your rights, including consulting with criminal defense lawyers in Rockville, MD. A lawyer from the firm of Daniel J. Wright has extensive experience representing criminal defendants and can advise you regarding the best course of action for your case.

Don’t Talk About Your Case 

Any conversations you have with others may be recounted to a prosecutor and possibly used as witness testimony in court. It is important not to talk about the events that led to your criminal charge with anyone other than your attorney. This advice extends to emails and text messages and applies to contacts you have with family and friends. You may think you are being helpful to try to get witnesses to support your side of events. Instead, you should give the names of any witnesses over to your criminal defense lawyers in Rockville, MD. An attorney from Daniel J. Wright will contact any witnesses on your behalf and interview them to determine how they may help your case.

Do Tell Your Attorney the Truth

To provide the best advice, your attorney needs to know everything you do about what led to your criminal charge. You have to be honest even if you admit to doing something illegal. An attorney-client privilege covers statements you make to your attorney. If you disclose a past illegal act to your criminal defense lawyers in Rockville, MD, they are barred from telling anyone about it under the privilege. You will be putting yourself at a disadvantage if your lawyer does not know all the facts. The best possible defense can be made when the attorney is aware of the entirety of the situation.

Don’t Post on Social Media

Your social media accounts will be scrutinized by a prosecutor who is responsible for your case. The prosecutor will use any information available to try to further their case. You absolutely cannot post anything on any social media platform regarding the events leading to your criminal charge. In addition, you should avoid social media posts and comments altogether until your matter is resolved. You may need to avoid these activities after the resolution if you are on probation or still subject to potential punishment.

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Charged With a Crime? Some Dos and Don’ts

If you are charged with a felony, the first thing to do is contact the office of criminal defense lawyers in Rockville MD. Legally, you are entitled to the services of a public defender, and while these dedicated individuals fight hard for those they represent, they are typically overworked and underpaid, with hundreds of case files to deal with. At best, a public defender might get you a plea bargain.

While there is no guarantee that you will be found not guilty (especially if you did it), having your own criminal defense attorney will increase the chances that you will get off, or, in the worst-case scenario, get the charges and the sentence reduced.

What to Do

Although being arrested is a stressful experience (especially if you were not expecting it), do not resist. It will go far better for you if you cooperate fully. And take the Miranda warning seriously. Everything you say is recorded, and the prosecution will use it as evidence against you.  Once you arrive at the station, call an attorney. Criminal defense lawyers can arrange for bail and contact anyone you might need to inform on your behalf. 

When you meet with your lawyer (remember, you are under no obligation to speak to anyone until you have been arraigned), do be completely forthcoming. If you lie to your defense attorney, it will go far worse for you when the truth does come out and puts the attorney in a very bad position.

What Not to Do

You already know you have the right to remain silent. This extends beyond the arresting officer and is very good advice in any event. Do not speak with family or friends about your case or the circumstances leading to your arrest. Even if you believe you are gathering friendly witnesses who will testify on your behalf, rest assured the prosecution will find some way to use their testimony against you. A better choice is to give this information to one of the criminal defense lawyers in Rockville MD and have them contact your witnesses.

Remaining silent also means don’t post anything on social media or discuss with friends and acquaintances in emails or chat rooms. Again, the prosecution will be going through records of all your communications — so do not give them any ammunition. Above all, do not admit to anything or say anything that might be construed as a confession.

Contact the Law Office of Daniel Wright to Find a Criminal Defense Advocate You Trust

The United States legal system is often complex and can be unfair in many cases, which is why it is crucial to find trustworthy criminal defense lawyers in Rockville MD that you know will be able to handle your legal needs while also being able to protect your rights and keep your best interest at heart always.

Daniel J. Wright holds a sincere passion for law and believes in going above and beyond in the fight for his clients’ rights at each and every stage of their unique case. Whether you are in Montgomery County, Rockville, or even throughout Washington D.C. or Maryland, and you are seeking a broad array of legal services carried out with compassion, precision, and power, contact us for your free consultation.

Should I seek a plea bargain or go to trial?

When facing criminal charges, the options can seem overwhelming. Whether you think you should take your chances in front of a judge and/or jury or pursue a plea bargain, defendants facing these charges need reliable criminal defense lawyers in Rockville in Maryland to represent them. The outcome of a criminal defense case varies greatly depending on the defense strategy and delivery. The criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright are prepared to guide you through all of your options and fight for you at every turn. Our criminal defense lawyers have many years of experience in criminal defense cases and will be able to clearly articulate your options based on the specifics of your case. In addition, we are able to provide important advice based on that experience.

Our Rockville MD criminal defense lawyers are well versed in the process that is necessary for such cases to move forward. The following information explores the pros and cons of a plea bargain versus a trial. It is important to note that this information merely scratches the surface of this topic and is intended to shed light on the legal process and criminal justice options in general terms. The most important decision you can make is to contact the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright and decide what is best for your specific circumstance.

Plea bargain

One question Rockville MD criminal defense lawyers may examine is whether or not a plea bargain is the best option for their clients’ situation. The answer is in the details of your case. Basically, a plea bargain requires a guilty plea in exchange for a lesser sentence. This may be an appropriate option for a case with an enormous amount of evidence and the criminal defense lawyer and individual feel that court would likely lead to a guilty verdict. In pleading guilty, the unknown of a trial is avoided. A plea bargain will often be a much faster process than going to trial which means two things: The individual will be able to move on with his or her life sooner and the legal fees can be substantially less. The flip side of a plea bargain is that the individual will be pleading guilty on criminal charges and that will go on his or her permanent record. In addition, there will be some type of sentence in exchange for the plea, which may not be desirable.

Trial

The obvious upside of going to trial is that the individual is protected under the Constitution of the United States, in that he or she is innocent until proven guilty. Where a guilty plea is part of a plea bargain, a trial could go either way. In the case that the individual is truly innocent, a trial may be the best option to reach that verdict and clear his or her name, in theory. It is imperative that he or she consults with one of the criminal defense lawyers from our firm on this decision as going in front of a judge and jury can be quite risky. Depending on the evidence and delivery of the case by the prosecution, the verdict could go the opposite way.

What Questions Should You Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Choosing who will represent you in a criminal matter is a big decision. When you have a consultation with a criminal defense attorney, you should be prepared to ask several important questions about your case. Asking thorough questions will help you determine whether you can communicate well with a lawyer. Here are some questions that you can ask a criminal defense lawyer to make an informed decision about whether he or she can represent you effectively.

What Experience Do You Have Representing Clients Facing These Types of Charges?

Criminal law is a broad area of the law, and the way that courts handle matters can change dramatically over time. It is important to establish a relationship with a lawyer who has experience handling clients who have been in your situation. When you are searching for criminal defense lawyers in Rockville MD, look for a lawyer who has experience representing clients in cases that are similar to your own. Some lawyers such as Daniel J. Wright list their specific practice concentrations on their website.

What Are Your Fees?

Attorneys fees can be costly, so you need to make sure that you understand a firm’s fees structures thoroughly. Ask if a firm charges a retainer and how much you will need to spend per hour for your lawyer’s time. In addition, you should find out if the hourly rate that you pay is different when supporting staff is handling any part of your representation.  

How Much Work Will the Representation Involve?

Ask a lawyer to describe the scope of work that handling your case involves. A competent lawyer should be able to present a basic overview of what he or she will need to do to prepare evidence, complete administrative tasks, and file motions on your behalf.

Does My Case Have to Go to Trial?

In some situations, it may be possible to avoid a criminal trial. Daniel J. Wright and other criminal defense lawyers in Rockville, MD may have some insight about strategies to avoid the trial process. It may be possible to dismiss charges or enter into a plea agreement.

What Evidence Is Relevant to My Case?

An attorney will ask you a lot of questions about events related to your charges to ascertain whether there is evidence that can exonerate you. Likewise, you should be ready to ask some questions about whether there are any evidentiary problems with the state’s case against you and what types of evidence can help you prevail.

The criminal defense lawyers Rockville MD clients recommend from Law Office of Daniel J. Wright are ready to advise you while facing this difficult and crucial decision. Our attorneys are available for a consult and will provide you with clear information intended to facilitate the best possible outcome. Call Law Office of Daniel J. Wright today.

Rockville Criminal Defense Lawyers Statistics

According to Maryland Gov, there were over 30,000 violent crimes in 2017. A felony may be punishable by at least one year in a state correctional facility. Apart from having to leave your loved ones to spend time in prison, you may be faced with huge fines, fees, probation, community service, mandatory treatment or educational programs, and a permanent criminal record. From the moment you are charged and found guilty, a felony might follow you for years to come – if not for the rest of your life. Reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible.

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