Salisbury Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving The Eastern Shore

When facing criminal charges in Salisbury, Maryland, having a knowledgeable and aggressive criminal defense attorney is critical. At Britt Criminal Defense, our criminal defense lawyers in Salisbury understand how Maryland’s legal system operates and have a track record of helping clients achieve favorable outcomes. We handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and we know what it takes to protect your rights at every stage of the criminal process.

Defending Your Rights from the Start

If law enforcement suspects you of a crime, your case may start with an arrest or a criminal summons directing you to appear in court. Maryland law grants you the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. Speaking to law enforcement without a lawyer could result in statements being used against you, so it’s crucial to reach out to a Salisbury criminal defense attorney who can guide you and shield you from potentially incriminating mistakes.

The Arrest and Booking Process

Once arrested, you’ll undergo the booking process, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a review of your arrest record. During this time, the police may attempt to question you, but you are within your rights to request legal counsel and decline to answer any questions. As your defense attorneys, we ensure that your rights are upheld, and we handle all interactions with law enforcement on your behalf.

Your Initial Court Appearance and Bail

Within 24 hours of your arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner for an initial hearing. This hearing determines whether you will be released on bail or held until trial. Bail determinations are based on several factors, including:

• The severity of the charges
• Your employment and community ties
• Whether you pose a flight risk or danger to others
• Your prior criminal record, if any

Our criminal defense law firm in Salisbury will advocate for a fair bail amount and, if necessary, pursue a hearing to reduce any excessive or unreasonable bail conditions.

Options for Bail

When bail is set, you have a few options for posting it:

• Cash Bail: A refundable deposit with the court.
• Bail Bondsman: A non-refundable fee, typically around 10% of the bail amount, to secure your release.
• Property Bail: Real estate can be used to secure bail, provided the property’s equity matches the bail amount.
• Intangible Assets: Stock certificates, bank accounts, and other financial instruments can also serve as bail.

If restrictive conditions, such as home monitoring or drug testing, are imposed, we will work to lessen them, so you can continue with your daily responsibilities while awaiting trial.

Preliminary Hearing and Evidence Discovery

If charged with a felony, you have the right to a preliminary hearing within ten days, where the prosecution must establish probable cause. At this hearing, our Salisbury criminal defense lawyers will cross-examine evidence and witnesses, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. The discovery phase, in which the prosecution shares its evidence, allows us to prepare a defense strategy and identify exculpatory information that supports your innocence.

Plea Bargaining and Trial Defense

Most criminal cases in Salisbury are resolved through plea bargaining. This option may allow you to accept a reduced sentence or lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea. Our attorneys will guide you through this process, ensuring you understand the benefits and any potential drawbacks of a plea deal. If we proceed to trial, our legal team will present a comprehensive defense before a jury, leveraging all available evidence, testimony, and legal arguments to advocate for your acquittal.

Why Choose Britt Criminal Defense?

With years of experience serving the Salisbury community, Britt Criminal Defense brings a deep understanding of the local court system and a commitment to aggressive defense. Founding attorneys James and Rachel Britt bring unique perspectives to each case, with backgrounds as both a prosecutor and a public defender. This dual experience enables us to anticipate the prosecution’s approach and counter it effectively, giving you a well-rounded defense strategy.

Contact a Salisbury Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing criminal charges in Salisbury, Maryland, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Britt Criminal Defense, a trusted criminal defense law firm, for a free consultation. Our attorneys are ready to defend your rights, protect your freedom, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today at 443-944-5705.