Ocean City, MD Criminal Lawyers

A vacation is an opportunity to get away from your job and your day-to-day responsibilities and enjoy yourself. For many people, vacations at Ocean City involve some amount of alcohol, which can sometimes put you in situations where you are facing criminal charges.

At the MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we regularly represent vacationers to the local resort areas who are charged with crimes, including DUI and DWI. We are former prosecutors who have been practicing law locally since 1995. Andrew MacDonald was an assistant state's attorney for Wicomico County for 10 years. We have offices in both Salisbury and Ocean City, Maryland.

Have you been accused of a criminal offense? Call the MacDonald Law Office, LLC, today at (410) 348-7809 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation with our Ocean City criminal defense lawyers.

How to Find a Skilled DUI Attorney in Ocean City, MD?

If you have been charged with DUI/DWI in Ocean City, Maryland, then you need a good attorney to represent you for these serious criminal charges. But how do you find the best defense lawyer to represent you for your DUI in Ocean City? This task can be especially difficult if you are not a local resident. If you were just visiting Ocean City on vacation, it is unlikely that you know anyone who used a criminal defense attorney in Ocean City.

The internet is a valuable resource for identifying attorneys who practice in Ocean City, Maryland, but information online can be overwhelming and often misleading. Visit the attorney's website and review it thoroughly. Is the website professional, thorough, and well-organized? Does it contain useful videos, contact links, chat services, and blog information? Does the site have photographs of the attorneys and detailed information about the attorney's backgrounds, experience, and education? Closely examine contact information such as office address and phone number.

First, seek an attorney that routinely represents DUI/DWI clients, specifically in Ocean City. The attorney should have an office in or near Ocean City. A DUI lawyer who routinely appears in Ocean City District Court will know the procedures of the local judges, prosecutors, and police officers. The City of Salisbury is a good place to find an attorney to represent you in Ocean City because it is only a 30-minute drive from the beach resort. Many lawyers who advertise that they represent clients in Ocean City actually have offices in the Baltimore area. This is a three-hour drive from Ocean City. You may pay a premium for this distant lawyer's travel time to and from the court.

You also want to find an attorney in Ocean City who has experience representing DUI/DWI clients in the District Court of Maryland. A lawyer who frequently defends DUI charges will be better equipped to get you good results in your case. Attorneys who dabble in DUI cases may miss critical defenses or mitigation in your case. Former prosecutors (Assistant State's Attorneys) are a safe bet to represent you for your DUI/DWI case in Ocean City, Maryland, because you know they have extensive criminal law experience.

When you are charged with DUI/DWI in Ocean City, Maryland, you also want to find a defense attorney that will personally talk to you about your case. Many large firms from the Baltimore/D.C. Metro area use paralegals for client consultations and case preparation. You want to talk directly to your actual attorney before you see her in the courtroom for your DUI case. When you call a DUI lawyer for a consultation, you should expect to speak to the actual attorney who will represent you.

Important Questions to Ask Your Attorney

When you speak to a potential attorney about your DUI case in Ocean City, Maryland, consider or ask the following:

• Does the attorney seem knowledgeable about defending DUI/DWI cases?
• Does the attorney take the time to ask you questions about your DUI case and your background?
• Does the attorney communicate clearly and effectively?
• Is the attorney knowledgeable about the MVA consequences of your DUI?
• Does the attorney have an office in or near Ocean City, Maryland?
  What percentage of the attorney's practice is dedicated to criminal defense?

Types of Vacation Criminal Charges

Many people who come to vacation in Ocean City expect to be given some room to enjoy themselves and relieve some stress from everyday life. However, local authorities are very conscious of portraying the city as a family resort, and the police aggressively enforce all types of laws, including so-called nuisance laws.

We are experienced at providing criminal defense services to vacationers and tourists accused of Maryland criminal offenses such as:

• DUI/drunk driving
• Drug charges
• Assault and domestic assault
• Disorderly conduct
• Indecent exposure
• Noise violations
• Malicious destruction of property
• Burglary/breaking and entering

The high volume of vacationers during the summertime puts several stresses on the local criminal justice system. Inexperienced seasonal police officers are hired and often make mistakes. Prosecutors also make mistakes due to the high volume of cases. We are aware of these issues and mindful of the criminal defense opportunities presented by them.

Most of our Ocean City clients are first offenders who need to keep their records clean. There are pre-trial diversionary programs available in Worcester County for many misdemeanors and drug offenses. We know how to get our first-offender clients into these programs when appropriate. In addition, there are other options, such as probation before judgment and expungement, for protecting the records of those clients who uncharacteristically stray into the criminal justice system.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney in Ocean City, MD Help You?

Here are some ways that a lawyer will be able to help you or a loved one:

• A criminal defense attorney will assess the evidence against you and determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
• They will negotiate with prosecutors to try to get charges dropped or reduced.
• They will advise you on any plea deals that may be offered to you and work towards getting you the best possible outcome for your situation.
• A criminal defense lawyer will represent you in court, advocating for your rights and presenting evidence or witnesses on your behalf.
• They can provide valuable insight into the legal system and guide you through the often-complicated process of a criminal trial.
• Overall, having a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney by your side can greatly improve the chances of a favorable outcome for your case. Contact our criminal defense attorneys in Ocean City today to schedule a consultation.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer For a DUI in Ocean City

An attorney can play a crucial role in assisting individuals who have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, our legal team understands the complexities of DUI laws and the legal system and will work to protect your rights throughout the entire process. We can provide guidance from the initial arrest through trial, aiming to minimize the potential penalties and long-term impacts of a DUI conviction. Our Ocean City DUI lawyers evaluate evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and help clients navigate the court system, often achieving reduced charges, minimized sentences, or even dismissed cases when possible. By leveraging our experience, we offer clients the best chance at a favorable outcome in what can be a stressful and overwhelming experience.

Through our services, our team provides comprehensive support, from initial charges to potential post-conviction relief, ensuring their client’s rights are protected at every stage of the process.

How Long Does the DUI Process Take in Ocean City?

In Maryland, the DUI process can vary in duration depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether the defendant decides to contest the charges or accept a plea deal. Generally, a straightforward DUI case may take about three to six months to reach a resolution from the time of arrest. This timeframe includes court appearances, administrative proceedings for license suspension, and any pre-trial motions. For cases that go to trial, the process may take longer, potentially extending to nine months or more. An experienced Ocean City DUI lawyer can help expedite the process by managing paperwork, negotiating with prosecutors, and preparing for any DMV or court hearings.

Experienced Criminal Defense Representation

We are experienced at providing criminal defense representation to people who are not from the Eastern Shore area and, in many cases, are from other states. We can do a great deal of business by email and over the phone, and we will take into account your ability to travel to our area for court proceedings. The criminal justice system in Ocean City and other parts of our region is a fairly close-knit community, and it is in your interests to get an attorney who is familiar with the local procedures.

Contact our Ocean City, MD, criminal lawyers to discuss what we can do to help you fight your criminal charges. We are available to take your call on nights and weekends regarding criminal charges. If you call after business hours, just leave a voicemail message and we will return your call promptly. Call (410) 348-7809 today to get started.