Violent Crime Attorney in Fort Washington

Your Defense Against Violent Crime Charges in Fort Washington, MD

Facing violent crime charges can turn your life upside down. At Gracia & Mintz, we defend individuals accused of offenses such as assault, armed robbery, domestic violence, and other serious allegations throughout Fort Washington and Prince George’s County. We understand how Maryland’s legal system operates. Our team brings the skill and insight of former prosecutors and a former deputy sheriff to every case, helping clients protect their futures and regain peace of mind.

Local enforcement agencies in Prince George’s County move quickly on allegations involving violence, so the process often begins soon after an arrest. If authorities investigate you for a violent crime in Fort Washington, connecting with knowledgeable legal counsel early can help you manage deadlines and court requirements. Maryland courthouses serving the area handle criminal cases on a rigorous schedule, making early preparation essential.

Facing a felony in Prince George's County? Secure the insight of former prosecutors today. Contact a Fort Washington violent crime defense lawyer at Gracia & Mintz by calling (301) 842-8584 or contact us online. We offer free consultations.

Understanding Maryland’s Classification of Violent Crime

Maryland law treats offenses that threaten or involve force against a person with extreme severity. While the legal definitions for violent crime can be complex, they generally fall under felonies and serious misdemeanors that carry the most severe prison sentences.

Core Crimes of Violence in Maryland

The following offenses are among those specifically defined in Maryland statutes as crimes of violence, subjecting defendants to enhanced sentencing and long-term prohibitions:

• Assault in the First Degree: This felony is charged when a person commits an assault with a firearm or causes—or attempts to cause—serious bodily injury. It carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
• Assault in the Second Degree: A high-level misdemeanor that can carry up to 10 years in prison. While a misdemeanor, a conviction can still bar you from possessing a firearm for life if the crime was domestically related.
• Robbery/Armed Robbery: Robbery (felony) involves theft accomplished by force or threat of force. Armed Robbery is compounded by the use of a deadly weapon.
• Carjacking/Armed Carjacking: Taking a motor vehicle from another person by force or threat.
• Murder and Manslaughter: Excluding involuntary manslaughter, intentional homicides are classified as crimes of violence.

Any attempted commission of the crimes listed above is also considered a violent crime. This classification means the State will pursue the harshest penalties allowed under Maryland law.

Mandatory Sentencing and Collateral Consequences

A conviction for a violent crime in Maryland results in severe penalties, including some of the most aggressive repeat offender sentencing schemes in the nation. This is why you need a Fort Washington violent crime defense lawyer with prosecutorial insight.

Mandatory Sentencing Enhancements

Maryland imposes mandatory minimum sentences for repeat violent crime offenders:

• Second Conviction: A second crime of violence committed after a prior conviction requires a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison, with no possibility of suspension.
• Third Conviction: A third conviction for a crime of violence requires a sentence of not less than 25 years in prison, with no possibility of suspension.
• Fourth Conviction: A fourth conviction for a crime of violence requires a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Life-Long Collateral Consequences

Beyond the direct threat of prison, a violent crime conviction results in the permanent loss of fundamental civil rights:

• Firearm Prohibition: A conviction for any crime of violence results in the permanent loss of your right to own, possess, or carry a firearm.
• Employment and Licensing: A felony conviction must be disclosed on job and licensing applications, often leading to immediate denial.
• Immigration: For non-U.S. citizens, any crime of violence is grounds for mandatory detention and deportation as an aggravated felony.

Our Comprehensive Defense Approach

At Gracia & Mintz, we treat every violent crime charge as a pre-trial defense war, leveraging our unique background as former prosecutors to anticipate and neutralize the State’s strategy in the Prince George's County courts.

• Immediate Investigation and Intervention: We move immediately to protect the crime scene, secure evidence, and contact law enforcement to assert your rights. Our firm’s experience means we can often convince the State’s Attorney to file lesser charges or decline to file charges altogether before the case proceeds to indictment.
• Challenging Constitutional Violations: We rigorously scrutinize the police investigation for violations of your Fourth Amendment (illegal search and seizure) and Fifth Amendment (right to remain silent/confessions) rights. Our firm files motions to suppress any illegally obtained evidence, often crippling the prosecution's case.
• Self-Defense/Defense of Others: This is a complete defense. We utilize forensic evidence, medical records, and witness testimony to establish that you used reasonable force because you feared for your life or the life of another, thereby justifying the action.
• Mitigation and Alternatives: When the evidence is difficult, we shift the focus to mitigating factors and alternative sentencing, such as intensive probation or counseling, to avoid the life-crippling mandatory sentences tied to violent crime convictions.

The prosecutor is preparing to use our old playbook against you. Hire the team that wrote it.

Why Fort Washington Residents Trust Our Team

Choosing the right legal defense after an arrest takes careful consideration. Many in the area choose Gracia & Mintz because we provide determined advocacy and ongoing support, no matter when clients reach out. Our founding partners—each a former prosecutor and one a former deputy sheriff—see every angle of a case. We use this experience to analyze how law enforcement handles investigations and to anticipate how the prosecution may present evidence in court. 

This unique perspective equips us to identify flaws in the case against you and ensure your rights remain protected. We never accept unfair plea bargains and keep our sights set on favorable results for you.

Clients from Fort Washington value our open and honest communication at every stage. Because important questions sometimes arise before crucial hearings or late into the evening, our legal team remains available around the clock. That accessibility allows us to answer questions and address concerns when you need support the most. Our direct communication style, paired with local trial experience, means we explain the process without confusing legal language. 

We draw on our prosecution backgrounds to anticipate the next move and guide you step-by-step. With both partners bringing years of criminal law experience in Prince George’s County, we deliver insight that many local firms cannot offer.

How We Help You Navigate the Legal Process

Being accused of a violent crime brings pressure and critical deadlines. Our approach for clients in Fort Washington and Prince George’s County addresses each stage with clarity. Here’s what you can expect when you put your trust in our law firm:

• Immediate access to legal support: You can reach us any day, any time, to get a prompt response and answers to urgent questions.
• A thorough evaluation of charges: We explain what each charge means, how sentencing may work in your case, and the options available in Maryland courts.
• A defense built on real-world criminal justice insight: Our team’s background as former prosecutors and in law enforcement allows us to anticipate prosecution tactics and challenge weak evidence.
• Clarity at every step: We keep you updated on deadlines and court dates, so you always know what’s next.
• No acceptance of unfair plea offers: We pursue every opportunity to secure a fair resolution, always keeping your best interest as our priority.

We take time to answer your questions directly so you stay fully informed and empowered to make decisions about your defense strategy. When your case involves complex facts or multiple parties, we help you break down what matters most for each stage, building a defense from the earliest opportunity. Because criminal cases often proceed swiftly in the Fort Washington area, organization from the outset is crucial. We streamline the process and focus on your needs—reducing stress, clarifying court requirements, and allowing you to prepare with confidence for every hearing and decision.

Contact a Violent Crime Attorney Who Knows Fort Washington Courts

If you or someone you care about faces charges for a violent offense, find clarity and reassurance when you need it. Call Gracia & Mintz and speak with a violent crime lawyer in Fort Washington who understands the local courts and what matters most in your case. We respond promptly and discuss each option, so you can move forward with confidence. 

Take the next step—call (301) 842-8584 or fill out this online form to reach a team who stands with you from the start to the finish.