Violent Crimes

In his almost thirty years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, Maryland lawyer Marc Emden has defended just about every type of criminal case in both state and federal court. Whether it is a murder case in Prince George’s County, an assault charge in Rockville, a robbery charge in Salisbury or a drug charge in Annapolis, Marc Emden can provide professional and experienced representation in any of the region’s criminal courtrooms. Contact Marc Emden for representation for violent crimes including:

• Homicide (Murder, Attempted Murder, Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide)
• Burglary and Breaking and Entering
• Aggravated Assaults or Assaults with a Deadly Weapon
• Assault and Battery
• Carjacking
• Robbery
• Gang Related Crimes and RICO Offenses
• Firearms and Weapons Offenses
• Domestic Violence* (see below)

Marc Emden is skilled and experienced at all aspects of violent crime defense. He:

• works with investigators to assure we present the best evidence
• assembles witnesses and obtains information from police officers and other parties to bolster your case
• diligently prepares your defense and represents you at every stage in the process
• knows the law and develops the best argument for all the elements the State must prove.

Marc Emden will work to limit your penalties to:

• Anger management courses
• Community service
• Therapy
• Restitution
• Payment of medical bills

Marc Emden’s goal is to keep his clients accused of violent crimes out of jail and to avoid the client obtaining a permanent criminal record. For more information regarding Marc Emden and your rights following criminal charges, contact us.

Murder is defined as intentionally causing the death of another person. Most murder crimes are classified according to their level of severity or by degree. Murder in the first degree is premeditated, or planned, and murder in the second degree is more a “spur of the moment,” but with intent to kill or cause a lethal injury.

Homicide is the killing of one person by another. Unlike murder, however, homicide can be justifiable or excusable. Justifiable homicide is the legal or authorized killing of another person. Excusable homicide is the killing of another person in self-defense.

If a person is convicted of murder, they could spend their entire lifetime in prison. In Maryland, the convicted offender may even be sentenced to death. Before sentencing a convicted murderer, the court will consider factors including whether weapons were involved, and the individual’s prior criminal record. These factors may result in sentence severe enhancements.

Murder charges are usually very complex, demanding many of hours of research, preparation, investigation and trial time. Before you select an attorney to represent you, it is important to know that your lawyer has both the experience and the commitment to achieving the best possible result for you. For more information regarding Marc Emden and your rights for a homicide charge, contact us.

Charges of first-degree assault, or aggravated assault, may seem minor when compared to charges of murder and robbery. However, first degree assault is a felony charge and can result in a 25-year prison sentence.

Even when resulting injuries are superficial, sentences can be severe when guns and other dangerous weapons are used. If you have been charged with first-degree assault or second-degree assault, then it is important that you have an experienced attorney defending your case.

While facing criminal charges is difficult, Marc Emden is here to provide immediate help. He has handled assault cases resulting from incidents occurring in bars, homes, family parties, the workplace and in other places.

Marc Emden will work to see whether the court dismiss your charges, or to win an acquittal at trial. In the right situation, he will work to have your charges reduced. This may significantly reduce the penalties you face. For more information about your rights following assault charges contact Marc Emden.

While second-degree assault charges in Maryland are misdemeanor charges, and many assume that penalties will be relatively light, they can result in significant jail time. If you have been charged with second-degree assault, it is crucial you obtain experienced and knowledgeable legal help from an attorney willing to do the hands-on, time-consuming, and effective work required to fully protect your rights.

The crime of robbery involves the theft of another person’s property while using violence or threats. It is considered armed robbery when a dangerous weapon is involved. Armed robbery sometimes results in death. Absent violence or threats, the theft is not considered robbery.

Armed robbery cases are evaluated as to the level of force used, not necessarily the value of the property that was stolen. If the robber used a deadly weapon, had an accomplice, or caused bodily injury to the victim, it would be classified as an aggravated robbery.

An individual convicted for armed robbery is subject to serious legal penalties. Sentence results usually depend upon the amount of force used, the type of weapon used, the person’s prior criminal record, and whether the victim sustained injuries. These factors, could lead to an enhanced punishment or sentence. Punishments for armed robbery include imprisonment, monetary fines, community service, and probation.

Marc Emden has successfully represented clients throughout Maryland and Washington D.C. who have been charged with armed robbery . In some cases, he can negotiate with prosecutors to have charges or sentences reduced. While the outcome of each case depends upon the circumstances involved, Marc Emden will always fight for his clients’ best interests.

In Maryland and the District of Columbia, weapons charges such using a firearm in the commission of a crime are taken very seriously. Some gun charges carry mandatory minimum sentences, so it is important to deal with these charges aggressively. If you are under investigation or a family member has been charged with a crime involving a handgun or illegal firearm, contact us immediately for a consultation.

Marc Emden can provide swift legal action to defend your rights and protect your freedom in any criminal prosecution involving weapons charges, including:

• Armed robbery
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Any deadly shooting, including those involving gang violence
• Carrying of concealed weapons
• Possessing an unregistered handgun

Weapons charges are commonly part of a related criminal investigation. Marc Emden will address all aspects of your case effectively, providing you with a high-quality and aggressive defense in complex cases involving multiple state and federal charges.

To discuss your case in a completely confidential consultation with Marc Emden, an accomplished and respected Maryland criminal defense trial lawyer, contact us today

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act was established to combat organized crime by setting strict penalties, such as seizing of funds, and increased prison time for individuals involved in a criminal enterprise. Racketeering charges apply to members of an organized group that is formed for the purpose of committing criminal activities such as distribution of drugs. In a racketeering prosecution, the government has to establish that the defendant is a member in a well-formed and structured group.
Marc Emden brings experience and dedication to attacking this crucial aspect of the prosecution’s case, and will aggressively pursue an effective defense strategy on behalf of clients in Maryland and Washington, DC. Contact us today to schedule a completely confidential consultation.

Originally designed to provide the government an effective tool in the war against the mob, racketeering charges are now being brought in to fight gang violence, drug trafficking and other gang-related criminal acts. Other allegations may accompany a racketeering charge, including investing the illegal fruits of the criminal enterprise into a legitimate business to disguise the nature of the investment (money laundering).

If you have been charged with racketeering in Maryland or the District of Columbia, or if you are an attorney seeking to refer a client for experienced criminal defense representation, contact Marc Emden today.

Table of Contents

• What is a crime of violence?
• What are the potential penalties I face if I am found guilty of a violent crime?
• What will happen on my first court date and do I have to be there if I have a lawyer?
• I was arrested for assaulting my wife but she was upset and says she make a mistake when she called the police. Can she have the domestic violence charges against me dropped?
• What is bail?
• How can someone post my bail?
• In which court will my case be handled?
• What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
• Will my case receive a trial before a judge or a jury?

What is a crime of violence?

A crime of violence is a criminal offense that is violent in nature and may involve the use of a weapon, physical force, threats of injury, or injury itself.

What are the potential penalties I face if I am found guilty of a violent crime?

Many violent crimes are felony offenses, which means that they may carry a sentence of in excess of one year of incarceration. Other possible penalties include: probation, fines, restitution, community service, anger management, and drug/alcohol rehabilitation. The sentences vary greatly depending on the particular offense, the defendant’s prior criminal record, and other important issues. Marc Emden can evaluate your charges to determine what penalties you may be at risk of facing.

What will happen on my first court date and do I have to be there if I have a lawyer?

You need to be present at all court dates unless you are excused from attending by the Court. If your first court date is called an “Attorney or Preliminary Inquiry” date, then you can often avoid having to appear once your attorney files papers with the Court advising it that you have retained an attorney.

I was arrested for assaulting my wife but she was upset and says she make a mistake when she called the police. Can she have the domestic violence charges against me dropped?

No, only the State’s Attorney can drop the charges against you. There are good reasons for this policy. Sometimes, a victim of domestic violence attempts to recant the statement they made to police in order to have the charges dropped against the other party.

What is bail?

Bail money is money paid to the court to guarantee that the person arrested who is released from jail will show up for all required court appearances.

How can someone post my bail?

There are several types of bail in Maryland:

• Cash Bail- The judge permits the person posting the bail to deposit a percentage (usually 10%) with the court. Once the case is concluded the deposit amount is refunded.
• Property Bail- One home or land may used to post bail provide that the person posting the bond possesses sufficient equity in the property to match the bond amount
• Intangible Assets- includes things like stock certificates, bank books, and certificates of deposit
• Bail Bondsmen- Bondsman charge a fee usually 10% of the bond set by the judge or commissioner. The fee you pay the bondsman in non-refundable.

Bonds may be posted by anyone provided they are 18 years of age or older.

In which court will my case be handled?

The District Court handles most cases involving motor vehicles, all misdemeanors, and some felonies. The Circuit court hear felonies, and appeals from the District Court.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?

In most cases, a misdemeanor is an offense for which the maximum period of incarceration is one year.

Will my case receive a trial before a judge or a jury?

In Maryland, Defendants have a right to a trial by jury where the period of incarceration is greater than 90 days.

Please note that these answers should not be construed as legal advice in all situations. You should speak with an attorney before making any decisions about your legal matter. These answers are intended only to provide general information.