At Portner & Shure, we truly believe that everyone has the right to dedicated, professional, and tireless legal representation. The effects of a criminal conviction can be serious and can even uproot life as you know it. If you have been accused of a crime, you deserve the opportunity to fight for your lifestyle, your reputation, and your innocence. We stand by the sacred principle of our judicial system in America, that you are innocent until proven guilty.
Our lawyers provide representation in many criminal defense cases, including:
Assault and battery
In most states, attempting to physically strike another person or actually doing so is considered assault/battery. So is behaving in a way that makes another person fear that they are in danger of being harmed. Assaults typically describe an attempt to cause injury, while battery is often used to label instances where physical contact was made.
The term “aggravated” assault or battery is often used when someone causes severe injury to another person or uses a deadly weapon to cause bodily harm.
Burglary
The term burglary usually encompasses any attempt to enter a structure without permission in order to commit a crime inside. The term can be confusing because you do not have to attempt to commit theft on the property.
The use of force is not required to constitute a burglary charge, it can happen when a door is completely unlocked or another entrance is unobstructed. However, the severity (or “degree”) of the charge depends on a variety of other factors, including the type of structure that is entered.
Drug crimes
Our attorneys can help with a wide array of drug offenses. The laws in Maryland and Virginia are very strict regarding drug crimes. In Maryland, our attorneys can work to get your case in front of a less severe “drug court”. The term drug crime is an umbrella term that encapsulates possession, distribution, manufacturing, and paraphernalia related charges.
Drunk driving (DUI/DWI)
There are many serious and life-changing consequences that come with a criminal conviction for driving under the influence. Driving while impaired by a controlled substance also has very severe consequences. Our attorneys can examine the specific details of your case and pursue the best outcome for you.
Theft
Our experienced theft lawyers know how to handle many different types of theft cases, including robbery, general offenses, grand and petit larceny, and embezzlement. Many of these convictions can cause you to face more than a decade of jail time, so it’s important to have a strong legal team on your side.
Traffic violations
Speeding, driving recklessly or negligently, driving with a suspended license, and other traffic violations often fall into two categories: minor traffic offenses and severe traffic offenses. While our attorneys can help fight for you regardless of the severity of your offense, it is crucial to have legal representation when dealing with serious traffic offenses.
Fraud
There are many types of fraud, which is why it is one of the most commonly committed crimes. Types of fraud can include credit card fraud, identity fraud, and bad check fraud. A wide range of charges falls into these categories, each with their own unique challenges.
Prostitution
If you have been arrested for prostitution, you need discreet and professional attorneys who know how to fight for the outcome you deserve in your case. In some cases, you may be able to have your charges dismissed in exchange for entering a diversion program. However, it is possible to be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor or face up to a year in prison for a prostitution conviction.
Contact an Experienced Virginia and Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact us today for a free consultation at (410) 995-1515. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.