The Most Common Criminal Charges in Baltimore

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you’re facing criminal charges in Baltimore, you already know that things just got serious. Maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, maybe a misunderstanding spiraled into a legal nightmare, or perhaps you made a mistake—one that shouldn’t define the rest of your life. No matter the situation, one fact remains: you need a strong legal defense, and you need it now.

The legal system isn’t designed to go easy on you. Prosecutors are most often focused on securing convictions. Law enforcement officers? They aren’t always interested in hearing your side of the story. This is where a skilled criminal defense lawyer makes all the difference.

At Walsh-Little Law, I understand the stakes. As a Baltimore criminal defense lawyer, I take on each case personally, crafting tailored defense strategies that protect your rights and future. Let’s take a look at the most common criminal charges in Baltimore—and how the right legal representation can change everything.

1. DUI and DWI Charges: More Than Just a Traffic Violation

Drunk driving charges are among the most common offenses in Baltimore. If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI), you might think you can handle it alone. But Maryland’s DUI laws are strict, and a conviction can lead to:

• License suspension or revocation
• Hefty fines
• Points on your driving record
• Possible jail time
• A permanent mark on your criminal record

And here’s the kicker: breathalyzers and field sobriety tests aren’t always reliable. Drivers are sometimes charged based on faulty evidence or law enforcement errors. As a defense attorney, I thoroughly examine the details of your stop, questioning whether the officer had probable cause, whether the testing equipment was calibrated correctly, and whether any procedural mistakes occurred. If law enforcement didn’t follow the rules, the case against you may not hold up in court.

Bottom line: A DUI charge doesn’t have to end in a conviction. The right legal strategy can protect your license, your job, and your freedom.

2. Assault Charges: When a Heated Moment Leads to Serious Consequences

Fights happen. Arguments escalate. Sometimes, what starts as a simple disagreement turns into something more, and before you know it, you’re in handcuffs, facing assault charges. In Maryland, assault is classified as either first-degree (felony) or second-degree (misdemeanor)—both carrying severe penalties.

A conviction can mean:

• Years behind bars (up to 25 years for first-degree assault)
• Heavy fines
• A permanent criminal record that impacts employment and housing opportunities

Many people charged with assault don’t realize that self-defense, defense of others, or lack of intent can be valid legal defenses. If you were defending yourself or acting to protect someone else, that should be taken into account. Other times, cases rely on witness testimony that can be unreliable or inconsistent. My job is to uncover the truth and present evidence that challenges the prosecution’s case.

Bottom line: Just because you were charged doesn’t mean you’re guilty. A strong defense can mean the difference between freedom and a life-altering conviction.

3. Drug Charges: From Simple Possession to Serious Felonies

Baltimore’s approach to drug crimes has shifted in recent years, but that doesn’t mean drug charges aren’t still aggressively prosecuted. Possession of controlled substances, distribution, and trafficking can carry penalties ranging from probation to years in prison, depending on the circumstances.

Even minor charges, such as possession of marijuana or prescription drugs without a valid prescription, can lead to:

• Criminal records that follow you for life
• Loss of employment opportunities
• Difficulty securing housing or financial aid for school

In drug cases, the details matter. Were the drugs actually yours? Were they found during an illegal search? Did the police violate your constitutional rights? These are the kinds of questions our office thoroughly reviews. If law enforcement conducted an unlawful search or failed to properly handle evidence, we may have grounds to get the charges reduced or dismissed altogether.

Bottom line: A drug charge doesn’t have to define your future. An experienced defense lawyer can challenge the evidence and fight for your best outcome.

4. Theft and Burglary: When Property Crimes Carry Serious Weight

Theft crimes in Baltimore range from shoplifting to grand larceny and burglary, but all have one thing in common—they can seriously impact your life. Maryland law categorizes theft by the value of the stolen property.

A theft charge can result in:

• A damaged reputation
• Loss of employment opportunities
• Difficulty passing background checks for housing or professional licenses

One of the most common defenses against theft charges is lack of intent. Maybe it was a misunderstanding, or maybe you were mistakenly identified. Maybe the prosecution doesn’t have solid evidence connecting you to the crime. I work to uncover flaws in the case and present defenses that make the prosecution’s job much harder.

Bottom line: A theft charge can ruin your reputation and limit your opportunities. A skilled lawyer can challenge the evidence and work to protect your future.

Why Hiring a Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer Makes All the Difference

Here’s what many people don’t realize: prosecutors benefit when defendants make mistakes. They count on you accepting a plea deal without fully understanding your options. They expect you to walk into court unprepared.

That’s why having the right legal advocate on your side is essential. As a solo criminal defense attorney, I offer something big firms can’t—personalized, hands-on representation. You’re not just another case file to me. I take the time to understand your situation, investigate every detail, and craft a defense strategy that puts you in the best possible position.

When you hire David Walsh-Little, you get:

• One-on-one attention—Your case won’t be passed off to an associate or paralegal.
• Aggressive defense strategies—I challenge the prosecution’s evidence, protect your rights, and push for the best possible outcome.
• Local experience—I know the Baltimore courts, judges, and prosecutors, giving you an advantage in navigating the legal system.

The legal system is built to work against you. My job is to level the playing field and fight for your future.

If You’re Facing Charges, Don’t Wait—Take Action Now

Every second counts when you’re facing criminal charges. The sooner you have a defense lawyer in your corner, the better your chances of protecting your freedom.

Whether you’re dealing with a DUI, assault, drug charges, or theft, the first step to securing your future is getting the right legal help. Let’s talk about your case, your options, and how we can build a strong defense together.

Contact David Walsh-Little today for a confidential consultation. Your future is worth fighting for.