Potomac, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Defending Clients in Potomac, MD

Facing criminal charges can be a terrifying experience, especially if it is your first time being in trouble with the law. Standing in front of a judge in a criminal court is an unenviable position to be in. While you are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the reality is that your charges are likely to start affecting your life before you have even had a chance to defend yourself in court. One of the most important things you can do is to secure good legal representation. Being represented by a lawyer other than an overwhelmed public defender can make an enormous difference in the outcome of your case.

Diamant Gerstein, LLC prides itself on providing hands-on and strategic representation in criminal cases. Our experienced Potomac, MD criminal defense lawyers answer phone calls personally and are available 24/7, so you can call us as soon as you get arrested. We are here to step in and begin defending your rights immediately. The sooner you contact us, the better we can help you.

Criminal Defense Attorneys Asserting Your Rights

In order to assert a legal right you have, you must first know that you have the right. Even if you feel that you have a good understanding of your constitutional rights, understanding how those rights apply to a particular case can be difficult. An attorney can monitor courtroom proceedings in real time, constantly analyzing what is happening to see if any of your rights are being violated.

In addition to your constitutional rights, there are a lot of rules prosecutors have to follow about what can or cannot be introduced as evidence, what types of questions they can ask witnesses, and what information they have to give you in advance. However, some prosecutors take the attitude that a certain line of questioning or piece of evidence is only illegal if the defendant objects to it. This is why you need an attorney by your side who can act quickly if the prosecutor tries to use a questionable or unlawful tactic.

Reviewing Your Arrest for Police Misconduct

Your lawyer will retroactively review your arrest to determine whether the police were acting lawfully. If the police illegally obtained evidence against you, that evidence can be excluded from court. If the illegally obtained evidence is critical to the prosecution's case against you, the state's entire case can fall apart.

For example, say the police conducted an illegal traffic stop based on a hunch rather than reasonable suspicion that you were doing something illegal. After pulling you over, you were arrested for DUI or driving without a license. Because the traffic stop was illegal, any evidence stemming from it can be excluded and you are very unlikely to be convicted.

How Criminal Charges Can Affect Your Life

The impact of a criminal conviction can be far-reaching. You might already have been negatively affected by your charges. Your boss may have fired you when he found out you were arrested for assault, or you may be feeling the stigma of a domestic violence accusation. If you were accused of a repeat DUI, your license might have been suspended, making it hard to get to work or even the grocery store. You may have been called before a disciplinary board if you are a college student or have a professional license, such as a nursing license.

A skilled criminal defense attorney can work to not only minimize any legal consequences but to reduce the impact this case will have on your life going forward. An attorney may be able to negotiate so that you are only adjudicated guilty of a lesser crime, have your case dismissed, or secure an acquittal at trial. You may also qualify to have your criminal records expunged immediately if you are not adjudicated guilty or after a waiting period if you are.

Contact a Potomac, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

When you need aggressive representation, call Diamant Gerstein, LLC first. Our dedicated Potomac, MD criminal defense lawyers will create a strategic and customized defense strategy for you. Contact us at 301-560-2685 for a confidential consultation.