Washington, D.C. and Maryland Criminal Defense Law
Felony crimes
Felonies are serious crimes that carry severe potential sentences, including imprisonment for many years. Before a prosecutor can charge someone with a felony, the prosecutor must usually obtain an indictment from a grand jury. A grand jury is supposed to be a check on the prosecutor's discretion to determine what criminal charge should be issued. Unlike a regular (or petit) jury trial, grand jury proceedings are not held in public. Witnesses, grand jurors, and other participants are sworn to secrecy. This protects the reputations of those who are investigated but not charged.
If a person is charged with a crime as a result of a grand jury proceeding, the testimony that was given to the grand jury can sometimes be used in the trial of the criminal case. If a witness's testimony at trial is different from his or her testimony before the grand jury, the witness can be impeached with the grand jury testimony. The witness might even be charged with perjury (telling a lie under oath). Also, witnesses do not have the same rights before a grand jury as they do at trial. For example, the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney are severely restricted in grand jury proceedings. Therefore, it is extremely important to consult a criminal defense attorney before going to testify before a grand jury, even if you are not the person being investigated or charged.
The attorneys of Lotze Mosley, LLP have many years of experience representing people in grand jury proceedings as well as defending people in felony jury trials. Our clients' cases have involved many different felony crimes, such as:
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Experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorneys in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Whether you are being investigated or charged with a felony, or if you are called to testify about criminal activity before a grand jury, you need an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who can explain the dangers, advise you of your rights, and achieve a favorable outcome. Contact Lotze Mosley, LLP to schedule a free initial appointment to discuss your situation as soon as you are investigated or charged with a felony.
