Criminal Defense
Client Services
How we can help
At Sanabria and Associates, we have a team of experienced Maryland and the District of Colombia criminal defense lawyers. We are a highly professional and prestigious practice committed to serving our clients through thorough communication and aggressive representation.
Our skilled criminal defense lawyers are equipped to handle all types of criminal charges, including those that may seem minor. It is important to remember that trying to navigate the criminal justice system on your own puts you at the mercy of prosecutors and judges who are often most concerned with getting a conviction
Our defense attorneys are concerned with protecting your rights and have the resources and tenacity to help secure the most preferable outcomes possible.
Our criminal defense lawyers are prepared to represent people charged with:
DWI
DUI
DWOL
Murder
Fraud
Extortion
Violent crimes
Drug-related crimes
Marijuana violations
White-collar crimes
Computer crimes
Embezzlement
Our criminal defense lawyers are prepared to represent people charged with:
FAQ’S
QUESTIONS ABOUT RIGHTS GIVEN TO PEOPLE IN THE US
Do I have the same rights as a US Citizen if I am undocumented?
YES. You have the right to due process. You can ask for an attorney and refuse to answer the police’s questions. Once you ask for an attorney, they cannot ask you any questions. Don’t let police sweet talk you if you do not want to talk. We can be there next to you to help you speak to the police.
What happens if the police stop me and start asking me questions?
● Stay calm. Don’t run. Don’t argue, resist or obstruct the police, even if you are innocent or police are violating your rights. Keep your hands where police can see them● Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes and you wish to leave, calmly and silently walk away. If you are under arrest, you have a right to know why● DO NOT consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. The police may “pat down” your clothing or accessible container (like a purse or backpack) if they suspect a weapon, but nothing more than that. You should not physically resist, but you have the right to refuse consent for any further search (including a request that you empty your pockets or purse)
What happens if I get pulled over in my car?
● Stay calm and provide, upon request, show police your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance● If an officer asks to look inside your car, you can refuse to consent to the search.
What happens if I get arrested?
Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t give any explanations or excuses. If you can’t pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one. Don’t say anything, sign anything or make any decisions without a lawyer.
Can the police come at anytime to my house or work?
The only time the police can search your home is with a warrant. Its very important to look at what the warrant says because it will tell you what the police can and cannot search
CRIMINAL CHARGES
An officer pulls me over and says he wants me to do some tests. What happens if I don’t take the breath test or do the roadside exercises in a DUI?
Your drivers license will be suspended and will be charged with a crime.
Is a DUI a serious crime?
● It absolutely is. It can even affect your immigration status. Though DUI/ DWI offenses are not removable offenses, they weigh hurt your chances at any immigration hearing● If you have been charged with a drunk driving offense in Maryland, you could face the following penalties:- 1st offense1) Up to one year in jail2) Up to $1,000 fine3) Minimum six-month suspension of driver’s license- 2nd offense1) Up to two years in jail2) Up to $2,000 fine3) One Year suspension of driver’s license
What happens to my license after I get charged with a DUI?
● 3 choices- Do nothing and serve the suspension beginning on 46th day from your offense- Get ignition interlock installed within 45 days- Request a hearing with the MVA to fight the suspension ● Length of suspension depends on what number offense it is.
I got a charge of Driving without a License/Suspended, is that a criminal charge?
Yes it absolutely is. If you miss your court date you will be arrested.
What is an assault charge?
● It is a charge that happens any time that harmful or unwanted touching occurs. ● Assault – Second Degree has a maximum potential sentence of 10 years.● First-degree assault is a felony with a maximum potential sentence of 25 years. First-degree assault can be proved if there is actual or intended serious physical injury or if there is a firearm. You can be charged with first-degree assault if you have committed any of the three parts of second-degree assault with a firearm or with actual or intended serious physical injury.
What is a PBJ and what are the benefits and consequences of that?
● PBJ means a person has not been convicted, even though a judge or jury may find a defendant guilty.
1) PBJ will not add points to your license and it can be expunged from your record after successful completion
- Expungement cant happen for DUI/DWI
2) PBJ is still a conviction for immigration purposes
● You can get a PBJ for a speeding ticket too
Immigration Consequences
If I get charged with a crime, what, if any, are the immigration consequences of criminal charges?
There are two main ways that criminal convictions can impact a person’s immigration status – inadmissibility and deportable offenses● If a person is inadmissible to the U.S., it means that they’re not allowed to gain admission to the US. It does not matter if you are a green card holder, you will not be able to come back into the country● If you are convicted of a deportable offense, you will be retained by ICE and have removal proceedings begin. - Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) offense, you will be retained by ICE and have removal proceedings begin. - Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)- Aggravated Felony (AF)- Crimes of Domestic Violence, Stalking, Violation of Protection Order, and Child Abuse (often misdemeanors)- Controlled Substance Offenses- Certain Firearm Offenses
How would immigration know about my case?
● If you get arrested and detained, ICE does rounds and they try to check jails and prisons every 48 hours for new admissions. They will check your immigration status to see whether or not you are a citizen and whether the crime that you have been convicted of or charged with has violated your immigration status.● Sometimes ICE can track you down by just showing up at a criminal hearing when a person is actually convicted. The person can be detained at that point.