Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

I am homeless and i was sleeping in a vacant apartment and the maintenance men called the police they arrested me on 2 counts of 4th degree breaking and entering and trespassing at my bail hearing i told the judge that i was a homeless vet and they released me on personal recognizance

i need to know the maximum penalty that i could face and the likelihood of me facing jail time


Asked on 9/04/10, 10:02 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

The answer is "it depends." Technically speaking, the law allows for a MAXIMUM of 3 years for each count of 4th degree burglary. If convicted, sentencing would depend on prior criminal record, mitigating factors (homelessness, vet, etc.), which city/county you are located in, etc. I STRONGLY recommend that you obtain a local criminal lawyer to represent you. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask the Court to appoint one for you -- it is you right!

Best of luck.******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*******

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Answered on 9/10/10, 1:27 am
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

Contact the Office of the Public Defender for a lawyer. You can use their website to locate the nearest location. They will have you fill out an affidavit of homelessness, and they will probably represent you. Don't wait.

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Answered on 9/11/10, 11:27 am


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