Shoplifting can do more than put you on the Naughty List

During the Holidays, long register lines and thin wallets might make some individuals consider taking merchandise without paying. Do not do it. Shoplifting is theft, which is considered a crime of moral turpitude. Meaning, the crimes are based on the perpetrator having an evil intent and violates the accepted standard of society. For immigration purposes, those who are not US Citizens may be banned from the United States if found guilty of committing a crime of moral turpitude. In Virginia, shoplifting items worth more than $200 is Grand Larceny, and a felony. The punishment can be up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. In Maryland, shoplifting items worth less than $1,000 is called property theft, and it’s a misdemeanor. The punishment can be up to 18 months in jail and a $500 fine. Taking items worth more than $1,500 is a felony that can lead up to five years incarcerated and a fine of $10,000. If you’ve received a criminal charge for shoplifting this holiday season, you need a top rated criminal defense lawyer. Call us today.

Charged With DUI or DWI on Vacation in Ocean City?

Every year, thousands of Marylanders head to Ocean City for a beach vacation, and inevitably, some of those vacationers end up being charged with driving under the influence. Being charged with a crime in a location far from your home is inconvenient to say the least, and depending on the facts, you could be facing jail time.Portner & Shure has office locations all throughout Maryland, including the eastern shore.

With our firm, not only can you have the peace of mind knowing you’ve hired an aggressive, top 10, criminal defense attorney that is familiar with the eastern shore and their court system, but we also have offices conveniently located within 10 miles of your home, so taking that hike to the shore isn’t necessary to meet with your attorney.  If you’ve been charged with DUI or DWI on the eastern shore, call Portner & Shure today.

Caught Driving Without a License? How to Get a Maryland License Without Immigration Papers

Charges for driving without a license are one of the most common issues new immigrants to the United States face. Many recent arrivals don't realize that a license from their home country does not operate as a valid driver's license in the United States. At Portner & Shure, we help our clients fight these charges. If you've been charged with driving without a license in Maryland, the best thing you can do in your defense is to get a valid license. Since 2013, Maryland law has provided a pathway for individuals without proof of legal residency in the United States to obtain a driver's license. Here's how:

1. File and pay Maryland income taxes for two full years before applying. Then obtain a certification letter from the Comptroller  of Maryland to prove it. If you've already paid two years of taxes, you can request the letter here: http://taxes.marylandtaxes.com/Individual_Taxes/Individual_Tax_Types/Income_Tax/Obtain_MVA_Tax_Certifications/ 
2. Make sure your passport is current and valid. If you do not have a valid passport, other official ID may be sufficient, however, an unexpired passport is your safest option.
3. Obtain two separate forms of proof of residency in Maryland. These documents can be in the form of a residential lease, a phone or utility bill, or a bank statement.
4. Study the Maryland Drivers Manual, which you can find here in English: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/drivers/maryland-drivers-manual.htm and in Spanish: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/drivers/rookie-driver/tutorial/tutorial-intro.html 
5. Schedule your written test and driving exam with the MVA

Don't get caught driving without a valid driver's license in Maryland and make sure you follow those steps above to get a Maryland driver's license. If you've been charged with driving without a license in Maryland, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515. 

Marijuana Laws in Maryland: Do You Know Everything?

It has been a few years now since Maryland decriminalized marijuana, and most people in the state are aware of that. The law states that you will be charged with a civil citation if found to possess less than 10 grams of marijuana. There are no longer criminal charges associated with possession of small amounts of marijuana. However, the law is not as simple as it may sound.

There are some variations in punishments and fines associated with possession of marijuana. The simple rule that everyone knows (i.e. possession of less than 10 grams results in a civil citation) only applies to people over 21. Anyone caught possessing less than 10 grams of marijuana will be required to appear in court where a judge is likely to require a drug diversion or education program to be completed. Another variation in the law applies to subsequent offenders. Anyone who previously had been cited 2 other times for possession under 10 grams will be required to appear in court if caught possessing less than 10 grams for a third time.

A first offense for possession of less than 10 grams results in a $100 fine. A second offense carries a $250 fine. A third offense carries a $500 fine.

Drug offense laws vary state to state and they can often be very confusing. If you have been charged with a drug offense in Baltimore, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

Why You Need an Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bel Air, Maryland

When searching for a criminal defense attorney, one of the most important things to look for is a lawyer with experience in the county courts in which you are charged. Hiring an experienced lawyer in Baltimore City probably will not be as beneficial if your case is before a Harford County Judge. Choosing an attorney with decades of experience in the county in which you face charges can be the difference of probation and jail time.

Harford County judges are known for handing down some of the harshest criminal and traffic sentences in the state compared to other jurisdictions across Maryland. Due to this "tough on crime" atmosphere in Harford County and the severe penalties that often get imposed, you need to retain an attorney who will aggressively negotiate on your behalf rather than accepting the State's Attorney's first offer.

Portner & Shure attorneys have combined experience over 100 years in courtrooms across Harford County, including Bel Air. Our attorneys are always ready and willing to take your case to trial if the State does not make a fair plea offer. At Portner & Shure, we understand the consequences you are facing and will stop at nothing to get you the best result possible.

If you're facing criminal or traffic charges in Harford County, you should call the criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.

What Happens if I get Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) and I Violate it?

If you've been charged with a criminal or traffic offense in Maryland and you have gone to court for those charges, then you probably have heard of probation before judgment or PBJ. Anyone charged with a criminal or traffic offense have the option to plead guilty in exchange for receiving a PBJ (some offenses are exempt from having option for a PBJ). Whether it is a speeding ticket or a DUI, a PBJ means that you cannot get into trouble with the law at all during your probationary period, which usually is for one year. That means that if you receive another speeding ticket or are charged with a DUI during your probationary period, you have violated your probation.

A violation of a PBJ probationary period works the same way as a violation of any other probation associated with serious criminal charges. A PBJ violator may face harsher penalties for their crime or violation, and that may include jail time.

Having the option for a PBJ should be seen as a privilege and should not be taken for granted by those who receive one. A PBJ essentially "erases" any terrible mistake that you have done and helps you avoid any conviction. However, if you get into more trouble, the PBJ will be taken away. Additionally, you do not get an unlimited number of opportunities to receive a PBJ from a Judge. It is only meant to help someone who has made one single mistake in their life and "forgive" them for that mistake.

If you've been charged with a criminal or traffic offense in Maryland, call the attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (410) 995-1515, (301) 854-9000.