Montgomery County Criminal Lawyer
Just north of Washington, D.C., lies Montgomery County, Maryland, an important business and research
center containing some of the nation’s largest companies, research facilities, and federal agencies.
Notable companies and agencies within the county include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Lockheed Martin,
Discovery Communications, the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and the United States
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
As in the rest of Maryland, the towns and cities of Montgomery County have recently boasted
significant reductions in crime. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP) reports
that Montgomery County, which includes the towns and cities of Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda,
Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, and Germantown, has reduced its overall crime rate by more than 23% in
the five year span from 2006 to 2011. This total crime reduction shows a 26.7% drop in violent crime
and a 22.9% reduction in property crimes. Particularly notable are a reduction in serious crimes such as
rape, robbery, aggravated assault, and auto theft, which has decreased by more than 50% over the past
five years.
The GOCCP credits Maryland’s reduced crime rates with unprecedented collaboration and cooperation
between state, county, and local law enforcement agencies.
While reduced crime is undoubtedly a good thing for the people of Montgomery County, any time
there is a crackdown on crime, there is the potential for defendants in criminal cases to face vigorous
prosecution and unnecessarily harsh sentencing in an effort for law enforcement agents, prosecutors,
and judges to appear tough on crime. For the accused, finding a defense attorney is critical to ensuring
fair treatment by the courts.
Misdemeanor Criminal Defense
In Maryland, misdemeanor crimes are generally considered less severe than felony offenses, but are
still punishable by fines, probation, and incarceration. In some cases, an offense may be charged as
either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense. For example, theft may be
prosecuted as a misdemeanor if the value of stolen property is below $1,000, but it is charged as felony
theft if the value of the property exceeds $1,000. Common Maryland misdemeanors include:
- Second Degree Assault
- DUI
- Prostitution
- Solicitation
- Misdemeanor Theft
- Fourth Degree Burglary
- Driving with a Suspended License
In addition to jail time and fines, misdemeanor conviction can carry administrative penalties such as
driver’s license revocation. A criminal record created by conviction can jeopardize security clearance,
employment, and other personal and professional opportunities—even for a misdemeanor conviction.
Finding a criminal lawyer in Montgomery County is a critical step successfully fighting criminal charges.
Felony Criminal Defense
Felony crimes are those which are considered more serious than misdemeanor offenses. These include
most violent crimes as well as property crimes involving the theft of cash or property exceeding $1,000.
Felonies are generally punishable by fines, restitution, and often lengthy prison sentences. Common
felonies include:
- Homicide
- First Degree Assault
- Gun Crimes
- Robbery
- Auto Theft
- First, Second, and Third Degree Burglary
- Drug Distribution
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
Beyond prison and fines, penalties for conviction of a felony may include restriction of employment
opportunities, voting rights, and the right to possess firearms.
Locations
Rockville Criminal Law
Rockville, Maryland, is located in the center of Montgomery County, and it is the third largest
incorporated city in the state. The Rockville City Police Department reported a 4% decrease in overall
crime in 2011, including reductions in both Part I and Part II crimes. The Montgomery County District
Court, responsible for overseeing most misdemeanor and felony cases in the county, is situated at 191
East Jefferson Street.
Silver Spring Criminal Law
The fourth most populous place in Maryland, Silver Spring is a part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan
area. Silver Spring has boasted a crime reduction similar to that seen throughout Maryland in recent
years, and has enjoyed the effects of downtown redevelopment. Silver Spring houses a Montgomery
County District Court location at 8552 Second Avenue.
