Being charged with a felony for the first time can be one of the most intimidating experiences of your life. Even if you have never been in trouble before, Maryland law treats felony charges seriously, and the outcome can affect your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. Knowing what to expect can help you take the right steps and make informed decisions from day one.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we defend clients in Annapolis and throughout Maryland who are facing serious criminal charges for the first time. Led by former prosecutor Christian Hartman, our team understands how the state builds its cases and how to effectively challenge them.
Understanding Maryland Felony Charges
A felony in Maryland is any crime that carries a potential sentence of more than one year in prison. While misdemeanors are often handled in District Court, felony cases are prosecuted in the Circuit Court, where you have the right to a jury trial.
Common first-time felony charges include:
- Drug distribution or possession with intent to distribute
- First-degree assault
- Burglary or robbery
- Firearm possession by a prohibited person
- Major theft or fraud offenses
- White-collar crimes such as embezzlement or forgery
Even a non-violent felony conviction can have lifelong consequences, including loss of voting rights during incarceration, loss of firearm privileges, immigration problems, and difficulty obtaining employment or professional licenses.
What Happens After You’re Charged
Arrest and Initial Appearance
If you’re arrested for a felony, you’ll typically appear before a District Court commissioner within 24 hours. The commissioner determines whether there was probable cause for the arrest and sets bail or release conditions.
Bail Review and Preliminary Hearing
If bail is denied or set too high, your attorney can request a bail review hearing before a District Court judge.
In most felony cases, a preliminary hearing is scheduled to determine whether there is probable cause to proceed with the case in Circuit Court. If the judge finds sufficient evidence or if a grand jury indicts you, the case proceeds to Circuit Court for arraignment.
Arraignment and Discovery
At the arraignment, the court formally advises you of the charges, and you enter a plea. The State’s Attorney’s Office must provide discovery materials, such as police reports, witness statements, and body-camera footage. A skilled defense lawyer reviews this information to identify weaknesses or potential constitutional violations, such as unlawful searches or coerced statements.
Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations
Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence, challenge identification procedures, or dismiss counts that lack legal basis. In many first-time cases, prosecutors are open to negotiated resolutions, especially if you have no prior record and there are questions about intent, possession, or identity.
Sentencing Considerations for First-Time Offenders
Judges in Maryland have discretion at sentencing but must follow statutory ranges. Factors that can influence your sentence include:
- The seriousness of the offense
- Whether a weapon was used or someone was injured
- Your criminal history (or lack of one)
- Efforts at rehabilitation, employment, or community service
- Restitution to any victims
First-time offenders may qualify for probation before judgment (PBJ) in certain felony cases, which can prevent a conviction from appearing on your record. However, PBJ is rarely available for crimes involving violence or firearms.
Collateral and Long-Term Consequences
A felony conviction in Maryland can have consequences beyond prison or probation. These include:
- Loss of firearm rights under Public Safety Article §5-133
- Ineligibility for specific professional licenses or government employment
- Immigration complications for non-citizens
- Difficulties in renting housing or obtaining loans
Because these effects are permanent in many cases, it’s essential to have an attorney who will explore every defense and resolution option.
How a Defense Attorney Can Help
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we take a proactive approach to defending first-time felony cases:
- Thorough investigation: We examine every piece of evidence, from police reports to digital data.
- Pre-trial advocacy: We file motions to exclude evidence or confessions obtained unlawfully.
- Negotiation and mitigation: We highlight your clean record, community ties, and willingness to make amends to seek reduced charges or diversion programs.
- Trial preparation: We prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, ensuring that the prosecution knows we are ready to fight.
Our goal is to protect your record, your rights, and your future.
FAQ: First-Time Felony Charges in Maryland
Q: Will I go to jail for a first-time felony?
Not necessarily. While some felonies carry mandatory minimum sentences, many first-time offenders receive probation, home detention, or other alternatives—especially when represented by skilled counsel.
Q: Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes. In some cases, a defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to have charges amended or reduced based on mitigating factors or evidentiary weaknesses.
Q: What should I do immediately after being charged?
Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone else about your case. Contact a criminal defense attorney right away to preserve your rights and begin building your defense.
Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law
If you’ve been charged with a felony for the first time in Maryland, you don’t have to face the criminal justice system alone. Early intervention can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and the options available to you.
Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law today for a confidential consultation with an experienced Annapolis criminal defense attorney.