Criminal Lawyer Salisbury
William R. Hall, Esq.
Former Assistant Public Defender.
Former Assistant State's Attorney.
Tough, Local and Experienced Representation
Few experiences in life are as upsetting as getting arrested. People often ask me what’s the "big case" that I am working on right now and my response is always the same. "Every case is big to my clients!".
For the last 10 years, I have been in court daily practicing criminal law. As a former prosecutor and life long resident of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, I personally know the courts and the people who reside here. Attorney’s from out of town will not know the personalities of the judges and prosecutors.
I have been successful in over 50 jury trials, in every county on the Lower Shore of Maryland. I only practice in Talbot, Dorchester, Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset Counties.
Get a Case Evaluation from a Salisbury Criminal Lawyer at William R. Hall, Esq., Attorney at Law by calling 410-749-1699 today! Your future is at stake!
Salisbury Criminal Defense
A crime is any act or omission that violates a law which results in a punishment. Punishments can range from the payment of a fine to incarceration in jail. The level of the offense or crime will usually be set in proportion to the severity of the crime. For example, parking in a two hour parking zone for three hours is a crime. The punishment usually involves the issuance of a ticket and an individual paying a fine. On the other end, robbing someone at gun point is a much more severe crime that can result in a lengthy prison sentence. If a statute merely encourages a conduct, but does not provide a punishment, then a violation is not generally considered a crime, even though you may be exposed to some type of civil liability. For example, many family codes have general policy statements that encourage parents to resolve custody disputes in a friendly manner. If the custody battle turns ugly, a violation of the general policy rule, by itself, is not a crime because there is not a defined punishment.
What Is A Crime?
Which specific acts or omissions constitute "crimes" depends on the governmental bodies where you live. Most likely you will be subject to three sets of laws at any given time. The first set is defined by federal statute. The second set is outlined by Maryland state government. The third set are laws are enacted by Salisbury government and are commonly referred to as municipal ordinances. Local rules focus on the conduct that the local community expects people to abide by like speed limits in school zones and noise control at certain hours. If there is ever a conflict in federal law with a state or local rule, federal law will generally control.
Most crimes require that you complete an affirmative act before you can be punished for the conduct. If you store drugs in the pocket of your jacket, you affirmatively possess a controlled substance. Some crimes, ironically, punish for omissions. For example, if you are aware that your boyfriend is physically abusing your child, you could be charged for failing to report child abuse. The basis of the crime isn’t what you did, but rather what you failed to do.
The Role of Intent
Many people also assume that crimes are the result of an intentional conduct. Like noted above, if you intentionally had drugs, you could be punished for the intent of your conduct. However, many crimes can involve negligent conduct. Speeding Salisbury, Maryland is probably the best example. A good number of people never really intend to speed. They just (for instance) get caught up in their favorite song and never notice that they depressed the accelerator a bit too much. But regardless of the intent, they are still liable for the speeding ticket. Another crime which has been growing in momentum is using a cell phone while driving in Salisbury, Maryland. Because of the number of children injured, many states and communities have begun enacting laws which prohibit you from driving in a school zone while using a cell phone. If you injure a child while going through a school zone and using a cell phone, you could be charged for negligently causing injuries to the child. You did not intend to hurt the child, but because of your negligence, you could still be criminally prosecuted and punished.
If you are concerned about whether your conduct, or absence of conduct, could result in a criminal charge being filed against you, consult with Salisbury Criminal Defense Lawyer William R. Hall, Esq. by calling 410-749-1699 to set up your case evaluation today.
William R. Hall, Esq.
Attorney at Law
1 Plaza East
7th Floor
PO Box 12
Salisbury, MD 21801
Phone: (410) 749-1699
Website: William R. Hall
Connect: DUI Lawyer Locator
About William R. Hall
Salisbury Criminal Lawyer
States / Courts Admitted:
Maryland
Law School:
University of Baltimore
Undergrad:
Salisbury University
Past Positions:
Assistant Public Defender
Assistant State's Attorney
Law Clerk for the Circuit of Wicomico County
Board Attorney for the Wicomico County Board of License Commisioners
Memberships:
Maryland State Bar Association
Wicomico County Bar Association
Maryland Defense Attorneys Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Societies:
The Salisbury Rotary Club
Maryland Defense Force Unit of the Maryland National Guard, Rank Major
Practice Areas:
DUI/ DWI - All drinking and driving crimes including all traffic violations
MVA Hearings - for possible suspension of driving privileges
Assault
All Drug Cases - including simple possession to distribution
Firm Mission Statement:
Fighting for you to ensure justice and due process. Holding the State to their burden and obtaining excellent results for the client.
Year Firm Established: 2004
Year Most Active Senior Member/ Active Partner Admitted: 1998
Note To Potential Clients:
I only practice on the lower Eastern Shore which means that you will have an attorney that has an insider's knowledge of the Judges and Prosecutors that you will face. As a former Assistant State's Attorney that used to prosecute drinking driving offenses, I know what to look for and how to best handle your case.
