Facing Criminal Charges? Attorney Blakely Navigates the Complexities of Maryland Law
Facing criminal charges is a serious and potentially life-altering experience. As a person charged with a crime, you will often find yourself suddenly on the wrong side of an enormous system that is accusing you of something you may or may not have done. In Baltimore and in Maryland generally, the potential penalties for most crimes—even minor crimes—can be very severe and stand to have a lasting negative impact on your life.
As you may know, you are entitled to legal representation when you are charged with a crime. You may decide to use the public defendant the court is required to make available to you. However, it is essential to remember that your choice of defense attorney can make all the difference when it comes to conviction as well as sentencing.
Your criminal defense attorney is your advocate, your voice, and your case maker before the judge and jury. With all due respect to the hardworking, noble public defenders out there, it is a known fact that they are overloaded with clients and are usually not able to give each case the time, attention, and energy that it deserves. On the other hand, you may not have the resources to hire a big-time firm, and if you do, you may still be concerned that your case still won’t get the personalized attention it deserves.
Then there is Criminal Defense Attorney Andrei Blakely. At the Law Offices of Andrei Blakely, Attorney Blakely and his dedicated legal staff have the resources, time, attention, and pride in the quality of their work to give you the representation you deserve. Serving Baltimore and the greater Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County areas, Attorney Blakely has the knowledge, skill, and experience to make the best possible case on your behalf.
Attorney Blakely has handled a wide variety of cases in Maryland courts. His areas of focus include:
- DUI/DWI cases
- Burglary and theft cases
- Drug cases
- Domestic violence cases
From the time you make the call to his office, Attorney Blakely will be able to help improve your chances of walking away from your charges, or at least of reducing your sentencing at conviction. He handles all of the conventional stages of defense-building, trial, and other hearings, but also handles details that are often overlooked in the criminal process.
For instance, Attorney Blakely is an expert at pre-trial release and bail negotiation. When you are arrested for a crime, a commissioner will ultimately decide whether you can be released on bail. Though certain major charges automatically deny bail, many less severe charges have a possibility of release on bail—as long as a good enough case is made on the defendant’s behalf. Having an attorney to negotiate for you at this early stage of the criminal process can be hugely beneficial, and can be the difference between having to wait for your trial at home or in jail.
Are you or a loved one facing criminal charges in Baltimore? Do you need help? Don’t wait. Call Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney Andrei Blakely for an initial consultation at (240) 331-0083.
What Are The Common Types Of Criminal Cases That Your Firm Handles in Maryland?
I do a lot of panel work in Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County, where cases are paneled to me because the public defender’s office has a conflict. I’ve handled theft cases (such as from Target or other clothing stores), minor burglary cases, minor drug cases, domestic violence cases, and DUI cases. I have handled several hundred initial appearances, where I represent defendants who have been arrested, and I make a case for their release on bail, pretrial release conditions, or their own personal recognizance.
What Generally Happens In The First 24 to 72 Hours Of A Criminal Arrest?
After a criminal arrest, an individual will be booked, and their property will be taken from them and stored in a safe location. The individual will be allowed to make a phone call, and asked whether or not they need the services of an attorney at their initial appearance. Every defendant is screened for certain information, often about income, their living situation, and whether any health interventions are necessary. Some people have addiction or medical issues that need to be addressed. Then, the defendant will wait to see the commissioner, who will determine the conditions of their release. Sometimes they see more than one commissioner during the process.
Court commissioners are in every county. If a defendant does not qualify for release, then they will be held without bail. This might be the case if the commissioner believes they are a danger to others. Defendants accused of first-degree murder or first-degree rape are held automatically without bail, because those charges carry a life sentence. If the defendant is facing a minor charge, such as a minor drug charge or fine from a public transit violation, then they will most likely be released unless they have other inhibiting charges or matters.
For more information on Criminal Cases Handled In Maryland, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (240) 331-0083 today.