Proven Maryland Lawyer Provides Effective Criminal Defense
Hampstead firm helps clients fight felony, misdemeanor and traffic charges
Once you’ve been accused of a crime, police and prosecutors want you to plead guilty. With the enormous powers at their disposal, they will try to get you to surrender your fundamental rights. But before you speak to prosecutors, speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney who can determine if your rights were violated. At the Law Office of Joseph E. Ashley in Hampstead, I help Carroll County clients even the odds against law enforcement authorities by waging a strong criminal defense. For more than 15 years, I have fought for clients facing charges in felony, misdemeanor and traffic cases. If you have been arrested, immediate action is required to give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Knowledgeable Carroll County advocate handles all types of allegations
Regardless of the specific charge, I am determined to win the best possible result, whether that is a dismissal, an acquittal or an appropriate plea agreement. My firm has extensive experience handling cases involving allegations of:
- Assault — Arrests for assault and battery are frequently based on misinterpretation and unreliable witness statements. In these matters, I make sure that complete information is presented as part of your defense.
- Theft — In cases involving alleged shoplifting, fraud and other types of theft, I conduct a detailed investigation to discover the truth and identify any possible defenses.
- Traffic offenses — If you have been cited for a traffic offense such as reckless driving or speeding, the authorities want you to give up your chance to defend yourself. Don’t risk fines, higher insurance costs or other sanctions: I ensure you understand your rights and options.
From the moment you’re arrested, you need an experienced legal adviser to safeguard your rights. My firm provides a free initial consultation so you can protect yourself.
Experienced advocate delivers comprehensive DUI defense
In Maryland, a DUI is not something to be taken lightly. Tough laws that went into effect in 2016 require motorists convicted of driving under the influence to install ignition interlock devices on their cars. If you’re caught operating a vehicle when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 percent, the legal limit, you could face a jail sentence, fines and a license suspension. Even a lower BAC might trigger a driving while impaired (DWI) charge. No matter what the specific count entails, my firm takes on police and prosecutors to reduce or eliminate the punishment you face.
Effective litigator challenges drug crime accusations
Though possession of fewer than 10 grams of marijuana is now a civil offense in Maryland, severe penalties still exist for other drug crimes. Whether the controlled substance at issue is heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine or a prescription medication, a possession with intent to distribute conviction can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Many of these prosecutions are based on shaky evidence or wrongful police actions. My firm looks beyond the basic facts and uses forceful arguments to maximize the chance for a fair outcome.
Established adviser helps individuals seeking expungements
One mistake should not haunt you for the rest of your life, but even a long-ago conviction could affect your ability to get the job or home that you want. Under certain conditions, Maryland allows some crimes to be expunged from an individual’s record or shielded from public view. I will review your particular circumstances and guide you through the relevant procedures, including the filing of the Petition for Expungement of Records.
Contact a dedicated Maryland criminal defense attorney for a free initial consultation
The Law Office of Joseph E. Ashley represents Maryland clients in all types of criminal defense proceedings. Please call 443-639-8399 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation at my Hampstead office.