Maryland: 301-854-9000/410-995-1515 | Northern Virginia: 703-916-1227 | Richmond, Virginia: 804-643-3783 | Washington, D.C.: 202-554-1449

Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyers/Virginia Criminal Defense Attorneys

Being accused of a crime can turn your life upside down. Before a trial, you may miss work because of time in custody. The ominous nature of a pending trial could have a negative affect on your family and social life. Bail can present a significant financial challenge. Additionally, the emotional stress caused by the  possibility time in prison, steep fines, the loss of a driver's license, and life with a criminal record can be overwhelming. If you are facing these life changing consequences, you need competent, aggressive legal representation at the earliest stage possible..

The Maryland criminal defense attorneys and Virginia criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure have practiced criminal law for over twenty years. They are familiar with both Maryland and Virginia courts, judges, and prosecutors.

At Portner & Shure we believe that everyone, no matter what the charge, is constitutionally entitled to a thorough and vigorous defense. In each case we will force the government to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We will work hard to have your charges dismissed or reduced.  In almost all cases our criminal attorneys negotiate fair plea agreements or achieve the best possible outcome. We will work to reduce or eliminate your charges and the punishments you face. The 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right...to a trial, by an impartial jury...and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him...and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense."  As criminal defense attorneys we are not only defenders of the accused, we are defenders of the constitution.

Our criminal law practice handles the defense of people in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. We represent clients who are charged by the state or federal government with either a misdemeanor or felony offense.  When clients face the possibility of jail time, fines, and a criminal record we believe that the attorneys at Portner & Shure are the best defense. 

Learn more about:

Considerations in Determining Whether a Stop and Frisk is Permissible
Police Deception and the Waiver of Miranda Rights

Criminal cases that our attorneys handled often over the last fifteen years include:

Assault and Battery
Burglary
Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance (cds) or drugs
Driving while Suspended or Revoked
Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI)
Juvenile Court
Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (cds) or drugs
Possession of Marijuana
Robbery
Shoplifting
Theft
Traffic cases including: driving while suspended or revoked, driving without a license or insurance, and negligent or reckless driving
Motor vehicle administration hearings
Violation of Probation

Liquor Board Violations

Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia liquor laws are established to monitor the activity of buying, selling, consuming, distributing, and operating illegal liquor activities.  Maryland and Virginia have been enforcing crimes related to illegal acts concerning liquor violation of these laws may lead to arrest or incarceration.  A restaurant or bar could lose its liquor license or be subject to fines.  Portner & Shure will properly prepare you for and attend liquor board hearings.

We serve the following counties:
Virginia - Loudoun County, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Fauquier County, Fredericksburg County, Clark County and Warren County
Maryland - Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Harford County, Baltimore City, Prince George's County, Frederick County, and Montgomery County

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Library for Criminal Defense:

• Maryland Handgun Law Declared Unconstitutional by Federal Judge   
  Hangun laws in Maryland are strict. Handgun offenses and violations in Maryland can cary significant penalties. Recently, A Maryland Federal Judge has declared one handgun law unconstitutional.
• Criminal Offenses and Their Consequence on Immigration Status   
  If you are charged with a crime and are not a citizen of the United States your status could be affected. Our criminal defense and DUI lawyers have answers.
• Spanish Speaking Maryland Criminal Clients and Their Right to be Warned of Possible Deportation   
  Our criminal defense attorneys understand the deportation consequences when a Hispanic individual without citizenship is charged with a crime.

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Frequent Questions for Criminal Defense:

• Does a "firearm" have to be operable to sustain a conviction of a firearm offense?
• What does Nolle Prosequi mean?
• What Crimes Trigger Deportability of a Foreign National?
• What Criminal Activity Triggers Inadmissability of a Foreign National for Visas and Entry Into the Country?
• If you have a bench warrant, what steps should be taken?
• Should I get a lawyer if I am accused of a crime?
• What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
• What should I do if I am arrested?
• What happens after I am arrested?
• Who can post bail for me?
• What court will hear my case?
• How can I post bail?
• Will I be tried by a jury?
• What is a preliminary hearing?
• Will I have a criminal record?
• Can I appeal a judgment?

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Web Resources for Criminal Defense:

• Maryland Judiciary Expungement Brochure

  Description:

  "How to Remove Criminal Records from Public Access in Maryland" provides information about removing criminal records from public access in Maryland.

• Petition for Expungement in Maryland

  Description:

  Expungement is the removal of records from public inspection. In Maryland, records may be expunged from Motor Vehicle Administration files, police files, and court and police files. The process must be done through the proper agency. No process expunges the records from all agencies. To request an expungement, you must:

  
  
  
  
  1. Complete the Petition for Expungement and the General Waiver and Release, if necessary.
  
  
  2. File the Petition and required copies.
  
  
  3. Pay the filing fees.
  
  

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