Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Attorney

When you face criminal charges, this can drastically affect your reputation. Criminal charges will go on your record if you are convicted, and they can negatively affect your ability to do many things in the future. If you are facing criminal charges, an Anne Arundel County criminal defense lawyer can help you.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Todd K Mohink, PA?

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we understand the importance of having a strong defense when facing criminal charges. We prioritize our clients’ interests, making sure they’re empowered to make well-informed decisions about their cases, whether that be through negotiation or trial proceedings.

With over 25 years of experience in this field, our knowledge allows us to handle both simple and complex cases effectively. We are dedicated to providing you with the legal counsel you need and striving for the most advantageous outcome for your case.

Examples of Criminal Charges

Criminal charges are formal accusations made by a governmental authority, typically law enforcement or a prosecutor, stating that the offender has committed a criminal offense. Criminal charges are different from civil charges. Criminal charges are usually between one person and the government entity (on behalf of society), while a civil charge arises from a dispute between two people (or groups).

Criminal charges range from minor misdemeanors to major felonies. Most often, the penalties for criminal offenses include probation, fines, and jail or prison time. In a civil dispute, the main purpose is usually to seek compensation for an injured party. Some examples of criminal charges include:

• Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated: The offense of operating a vehicle while impaired due to ingesting alcohol or other controlled substances.
• Assault and Battery: This involves causing physical harm, or the intent to cause physical harm, against another person.
• Robbery: The theft of another person’s belongings through force or intimidation.
• Burglary: Charges involving illegally entering a building with the intent to commit theft or some other crime.
• Domestic Violence: These charges involve violent or abusive behavior against someone with whom the offender is in a domestic relationship. This could include a spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, or a child.
• Sexual Assault or Rape: This includes forcing another person into sexual activity against their will. It also includes unwanted physical or sexual touches toward another person.
• Fraud: Fraud includes charges involving misrepresentation or deception for financial gain, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, or insurance fraud.
• Homicide, Murder, or Manslaughter: All of these charges involve the illegal killing of another person. The charge will depend on the severity and intent of the incident.

Defenses in Criminal Cases

In criminal cases, the role of the defense is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, undermine their case, or establish the defendant’s innocence. A defendant must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, so a defense lawyer may attempt to invoke doubt in the minds of the jury members. Some common defenses used are:

• Self-defense: The defendant argues that they acted in response to an immediate fear of harm either to themselves or others, and their actions were necessary to prevent that harm from happening.
• Alibi: This is when the defendant declares that they were not at the scene of the crime when it occurred. They will need evidence to support their claim.
• Lack of intent: The defendant declares they did not intend to commit the crime. This is common in cases of accidental conduct.
• Duress or Coercion: The defendant claims they committed the crime against their own will, usually under the threat of violence.
• Mistaken identity: In this case, the defendant claims that they were wrongfully identified as the crime’s offender. This is usually due to mistaken identity from witnesses or faulty evidence.
• Insanity or diminished capacity: The defendant claims that they were mentally incapacitated at the time of the crime. This can be due to mental illness, substance use, or other reasons. The defendant claims that this incapacitation led to them being unaware of the nature and consequences of their crime.
• Illegal search and seizure: This argument asserts that the police illegally searched their home or property and violated their Constitutional rights.
• Statute of limitations: In this case, the defendant declares that the statute of limitations for the alleged crime has been exceeded.

These are just some of the defenses that can be used in a criminal defense case.

Maryland Statute of Limitations

In Maryland, the statute of limitations depends on the nature of the crime. Felony crimes have no statute of limitations. This means that a felony crime can be filed at any time after it occurred. Most misdemeanors must be charged within one year. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. These crimes have a different statute of limitations:

• Misdemeanors committed against those who are vulnerable: This includes children, the elderly, and other vulnerable adults. If abuse or neglect is conducted against a vulnerable adult, the statute of limitations is two years.
• The misdemeanor of driving under the influence has a three-year statute of limitations.
• Computer crimes have a statute of limitations of three years.
• Election crimes have a statute of limitations of four years.
• A public ethics violation has a statute of limitations of two years.
• Fraudulently or unlawfully using a driver’s license has a statute of limitations of two years.
• A violation of the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act has a statute of limitations of three years.

When Do I Need a Lawyer?

Depending on the severity of your case, you may need a lawyer at various stages in the legal process. If you are arrested and are made aware that you are under investigation for a crime, it is crucial to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. They can advise you on your rights and help you navigate interactions with law enforcement, protecting you against self-incrimination.

When deciding whether or not to hire a skilled lawyer, the most crucial factor is to consider the potential consequences of the crime. If jail time is a possibility, it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation.

However, even those charged with more minor offenses in Anne Arundel County can benefit from the help of a talented attorney. These types of offenses can have other effects later, such as harsher punishments for second offenses or higher insurance payments.

FAQs About Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Law

How Long Will the Criminal Defense Process Take?

The length of a criminal defense process depends on many different factors. These include the complexity of the case, the severity of the charges, how busy the court is, and whether or not the case goes to trial. Your lawyer can look at your case and all the details and provide you with an accurate estimate of how long your case will take.

Can You Go to Jail for Fighting in Maryland?

Whether you go to jail for fighting in Maryland depends on the circumstances of the fight. You could face criminal charges, as the altercation may be considered assault. Self-defense is recognized as an allowable defense, however. Ultimately, the outcome of the potential charges and jail time is a result of the circumstances and the charges brought against the individual.

Is Maryland a Stand Your Ground State?

Homeowners are allowed to stand their ground in efforts to defend themselves against an intruder, provided the amount of force used is reasonable. However, Maryland does have a retreat law, which states that if someone is defending themselves outside of their home, they have a duty to retreat from the situation.

Can You Defend Yourself With a Gun in Maryland?

In Maryland, a person can defend themselves with a gun if they follow the parameters laid out by the law. Residents have a right to protect their homes using force, including deadly force, from intruders. For this defense to be successful in court, the defendant must prove that they believed they were in reasonable danger and that deadly force was necessary to protect themselves.

What Is the Defense of Others in Maryland?

The defense of others is a type of criminal defense that defendants or their attorneys may employ. It may result in a not guilty verdict in a violent crime case. The defendant must have reasonably believed that others were in immediate danger of physical harm, and they must not have used unnecessary force. The reason why they used force must have been to protect others.

Contact the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, Today

The legal team at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, understand the severity of a criminal charge being brought against you. Understanding your rights and legal options is crucial to protecting yourself and your loved ones during this time. Whether you’re facing criminal charges, undergoing investigation, or need legal counsel, our attorneys can help you in the process.

We can help you navigate the legal system and its complexities with confidence, ensuring that your rights are protected and your interests are heard. Contact us today for more information and get the legal representation you deserve.