If you break a law in Maryland, it’s crucial to consult with criminal defense lawyers to understand your options. While many offenses have a statute of limitations, waiting for this period to expire can be risky. You might still face charges for felonies or misdemeanors that carry severe penalties.
In Maryland, prosecutors have a specific timeframe to file criminal charges before the statute of limitations expires. If you are accused of a crime, a lawyer from The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates can provide valuable information and counsel. Establishing a solid attorney-client relationship with a reputable law firm can also provide essential support and advice in various legal situations.
Understanding Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Maryland
Criminal statute limitations define the maximum period for prosecutors to file charges and take legal action after an alleged offense. These timeframes, set by state law, ensure fairness in legal proceedings and vary from state to state.
Statutes of limitations exist to prevent unfair trials. Over time, crucial evidence like DNA or fingerprints can degrade, potentially leading to unjust outcomes for the prosecution or the defense.
If you’re facing potential charges for felonies or misdemeanors, consult a local law office to avoid unexpected charges, convictions, and a lifelong criminal record. It’s important to note that the statute of limitations for criminal cases in Maryland differs significantly from that of civil cases. Understanding these differences is critical to being prepared and making informed decisions. A Maryland criminal lawyer can provide detailed information specific to your situation.
Crimes with Time Limits for Prosecution
In Maryland, the time limit for filing criminal charges varies based on whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor. Serious crimes often have no time limits.
Maryland law extends the statute of limitations for certain crimes to balance the seriousness of the offense with the interest in fair trials. Here are a few examples:
- There is no time limit for prosecuting murder, manslaughter, unlawful homicide, and rape.
- There is no time limit for prosecuting misdemeanors that carry prison time.
- For all other misdemeanors for one year
- You can be charged for unlawful use of a driver’s license or fraud related to a driver’s license within two years.
- Drunkenness or breaking the Sabbath for 30 days
- Manslaughter or vehicular homicide for three years
The statute of limitations for one offense may expire, but the accused could still be prosecuted for another crime or in a different jurisdiction. Additionally, various timing issues can influence the right to a speedy trial in criminal cases.
An experienced criminal lawyer can explain how the statute of limitations affects your case and provide necessary legal resources. Contact the Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates for assistance.
How Can an Attorney Assist with Maryland’s Statute of Limitations?
Understanding statutes of limitations can be complex. For instance, severe felonies like manslaughter, murder, rape, and unlawful homicides have no time limits for prosecution. However, other felonies, such as vehicular manslaughter, have a three-year statute of limitations.
Even if the statute of limitations has expired for a crime in Maryland, it may not impact potential federal charges, including certain computer crimes and drug trafficking.
If you’re worried about being implicated in a crime, an experienced attorney familiar with Maryland law can analyze your case and advise you on your choices and potential outcomes based on thorough legal research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Statute of Limitations Be Extended?
Yes, the statute of limitations can sometimes be extended, for example, if the accused is a fugitive or if evidence needs to be collected from abroad. Generally, the time limit only applies while the accused is in the state where the crime occurred. The clock stops if the person leaves the state, goes into hiding, or avoids arrest. It resumes when they return to the state.
When does the time limit for criminal charges start in Maryland?
In Maryland, the statute of limitations starts when the crime is committed. Prosecutors can file charges anytime from the date of the offense until the statute of limitations expires. The clock begins as soon as the crime ends, even if it takes time to complete.
Do all misdemeanors have a one-year time limit for filing charges?
Most misdemeanors have a one-year time limit for filing charges. However, some misdemeanors have two years to file charges, including those that carry prison time (rather than jail time), misdemeanors under the Maryland Public Ethics Law, and offenses involving criminal misconduct by state officials.
Do Federal Crimes Have Statutes of Limitations?
The federal statute of limitations is generally five years. However, some federal crimes have longer or no time limits. Federal charges can be filed for offenses punishable by death, terrorism resulting in death or severe injury, and sex crimes involving minors.