A Strong Defense For Maryland Criminal Charges

If you are questioned or charged with a criminal offense, it is important to have experienced legal representation. Your freedom could be at risk and the consequences of a criminal record can affect your life and career for years to come. At Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A., we will protect your rights and create a strong defense for any charges.

We Will Protect Your Rights

Even a misdemeanor can show up on a background check. When you hire our firm, our criminal defense attorneys will investigate your charges and explain your options to you. You will receive the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. With more than 40 years of experience in Maryland criminal defense, you can depend on our attorneys when your reputation and freedom are at stake.

You will get straightforward answers from our criminal defense lawyers. At every step in your case, we will protect your rights. We review every angle of criminal defense cases, such as: Was the evidence against you properly obtained? Were you given the opportunity to consult an attorney? Given the facts of the case, what is the best result you can expect?

We defend clients who are facing many kinds of criminal charges, including:

• Traffic violations and license suspension
• Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI)
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Drug offenses, including possession and trafficking of Ecstasy, crack cocaine and marijuana
• Meth manufacturing, possession, sale
• Assault and battery
• Property crimes
• Grand larceny and petty larceny
• Burglary
• Arson
• Robbery
• White collar crimes
• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Conspiracy

We also represent clients in criminal cases involving civil rights issues. We protect the rights of our clients who were illegally searched, including those who had their digital devices illegally accessed.

Understand Your Rights During An Arrest

Being arrested for any criminal offense can be an extremely intimidating experience, and most people do not know their rights. We believe that the most important thing for you to know if you have been arrested is your rights.

The questions and responses we have provided below are designed to provide basic information about your rights and what you should, or should not, do if you are arrested. These represent some of the most common situations encountered by people being investigated for a crime.

• Should I answer the police officer’s questions?
• If I don’t answer the police officer’s questions, can it be held against me?
• What happens if I ask for a lawyer?
• Can I be arrested without a warrant?
• What happens after the arrest?
• Will this go on my record?

Q: Should I answer the police officer’s questions?

A: Under the law, you have the right to remain silent. Especially in situations where the police are asking you questions that would incriminate you if you were to answer them honestly, it would probably be best if you did not answer the police officer’s questions without an attorney present.

Q: If I don’t answer the police officer’s questions, can it be held against me?

A: No. Since you are invoking one of your constitutional rights under the law, it cannot be held against you. It is important to note, however, that it is possible for anything you do say to be used as evidence against you later.

Q: What happens if I ask for a lawyer?

A: The questioning must stop immediately. From that point forward, the police will not be able to question you without your lawyer being present.

Q: Can I be arrested without a warrant?

A: Yes. There are a number of circumstances where you can be arrested without a warrant. If you are stopped for drunk driving and found to be legally intoxicated, for example, you can be arrested without a warrant. You can also be arrested if the police have probable cause to believe that you have committed a crime.

Q: What happens after the arrest?

A: After an arrest, a police officer will take you into custody and into a processing facility, often a jail or police station, to book you. You will have your fingerprints and photo taken and then wait to be taken before a District Court Commissioner. The commissioner will advise you of your rights, including your right to an attorney, as well as ensure you understand the charges against you and set bail, if applicable.

Q: Will this go on my record?

A: Yes. If there are charges filed against you, this will reflect on your criminal record, as will any convictions. Even without a conviction, the court records the charges filed against you and the outcome of that case will exist. In many cases, you may be able to get the offense expunged from your record. The benefits of expungement include avoiding the negative consequences that come with the presence of a criminal record when applying for jobs, housing, educational opportunities and more. Our lawyers can help determine if you qualify for expungement.

Do Not Wait To Build Your Defense

You do not have to go into a courtroom or face a prosecutor or investigator alone. At Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg, P.A., our offices in Baltimore, Bel Air, Frederick, Essex, Glen Burnie and Towson defend people across Maryland.

Call us now at 443-529-0795, or after hours at 410-885-4082, to schedule your free initial consultation. We are also available by email.