Upper Marlboro Criminal Defense Lawyer

Skilled Attorneys Helping Clients Defend Against Criminal Charges in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

A criminal conviction in Maryland can have grave consequences, especially in cases involving felony charges. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Upper Marlboro, you could be punished with high fines, a prison sentence, and the loss of certain rights. When your freedom is at stake, the best thing you can do is to get in contact with a criminal defense attorney who will advocate for your rights.

At Salvado Law Offices, we represent clients who have been accused of criminal offenses, working to have the charges reduced or dropped entirely. When you work with our lawyers, you can rest assured that we will stand up for you against harsh prosecution.

DUI/DWI

Maryland does not take DUI charges lightly. If you have been accused of driving under the influence or driving while impaired, you could be fined or jailed on a conviction. On top of the criminal penalties, your driving privileges could also be suspended for several months or even a year or more, which can be devastating if you live in a rural area with nothing in walking distance.

Under state law, an officer can charge you with driving under the influence if you are judged to be substantially impaired by alcohol. DUI per se is based on scientific evidence, and you could face charges if your blood alcohol content (BAC) measures at .08 percent or higher. BAC refers to the alcohol in your bloodstream, and it is typically revealed through blood or breath tests. You may be able to contest a DUI charge by challenging the validity of the traffic stop if you suspect that the officer pulled you over without good reason.

At Salvado Law Offices, we have experience defending clients against DUI violations. When you work with our firm, we will sit down with you to figure out a strategy to potentially avoid a conviction.

Manslaughter and Murder

If you stand accused of killing another person, it is imperative that you seek out strong legal representation. Murder and manslaughter charges can carry years in prison on a conviction, even a life sentence in some cases.

Manslaughter is a lighter homicide offense, charged in cases involving unintentional or unplanned killings with significant provocation. Involuntary manslaughter is often charged in cases involving accidental deaths, such as drunk driving fatalities. Voluntary manslaughter may apply to cases where the defendant killed another person in an act of aggressive self-defense. Regardless of the intent behind the killing, manslaughter is a felony, though involuntary manslaughter usually carries a lighter sentence.

Murder is an escalated homicide charge that involves intentional and willful killings without significant provocation. First-degree murder charges apply for premeditated killings or killings that occur while committing another offense, such as burglary or sexual assault. First-degree murder is a felony punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. If the killing was not premeditated, the crime is likely to be charged as second-degree murder, with a sentence of up to 40 years behind bars.

Drug Crimes

Drug charges may come with harsh prosecution depending on the illegal substance or substances involved in a case. Maryland refers to federal drug schedules to determine the severity of a drug offense, with substances like heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and opioids carrying the harshest sentences. We can work with you to develop a strong defense against drug distribution or possession charges. For instance, we can investigate whether the evidence was legally seized, or we may argue that you did not knowingly possess the drugs in question.

Meet With an Upper Marlboro, MD Criminal Law Attorney

A criminal conviction has the potential to ruin your life. At Salvado Law Offices, we can provide you with counsel and representation in a wide variety of cases, ensuring that your rights are protected. To schedule a free consultation with our attorneys, contact our offices at 301-933-1814 today.