Defend Your Rights at Every Stage
Criminal Defense in Annapolis for DUI, assault, drug charges, theft, weapons offenses, domestic violence, and serious felonies
Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law provides criminal defense representation throughout Anne Arundel County and surrounding counties, handling charges ranging from DUI and drug possession to assault, weapons offenses, theft, domestic violence, and serious felony matters including homicide-level cases. You may be facing arrest, arraignment, bail hearings, preliminary hearings, trial, or sentencing. With over 19 years of experience and a background as a former prosecutor, she understands how cases are built, what evidence the state relies on, and where constitutional and procedural challenges can be raised.
Criminal defense begins at the investigation stage and continues through trial and appeals. You need an attorney who reviews arrest reports, witness statements, search warrants, and police procedures to identify violations of your Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful searches, Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, and Sixth Amendment rights to counsel and a fair trial. Cases involving Naval Academy personnel or federal jurisdiction require an attorney who is federally barred and familiar with the unique legal issues that arise in those matters.
If you have been charged with a crime in Anne Arundel County, contact Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law to begin your defense and protect your constitutional rights.
Building a Defense and Challenging the Evidence
You start with a detailed review of the charging documents, police reports, body camera footage, and any physical evidence or witness statements the state intends to use. You meet with your attorney to discuss what happened, identify potential defenses, and determine whether the stop, search, or arrest violated your rights. Motions to suppress evidence are filed when police lacked probable cause, conducted an illegal search, or failed to read Miranda warnings before a custodial interrogation.
After pretrial motions are resolved, you proceed to trial or negotiate a plea that reduces charges or sentencing exposure. Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law cross-examines witnesses, challenges forensic evidence, and argues reasonable doubt where the state's case relies on weak or inconsistent testimony. You will see a defense strategy that addresses the specific facts of your case and the legal standards governing the charges. In DUI cases, that may include challenging breathalyzer calibration or field sobriety test procedures. In assault cases, it may involve self-defense or lack of intent. In drug cases, it may focus on constructive possession or chain of custody issues.
Sentencing considerations include your criminal history, the severity of the offense, mitigating factors, and available alternatives such as probation, diversion programs, or suspended sentences. The goal is to avoid conviction where possible and minimize consequences when the evidence is strong. Cases involving federal charges or military jurisdiction follow different rules and procedures and require familiarity with federal sentencing guidelines and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Criminal cases involve constitutional protections, procedural rules, and strategic decisions that affect the outcome. These questions address what clients commonly need to know when facing criminal charges.
Questions About Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County
Remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions, consent to searches, or make statements to police without legal representation. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
What should I do if I am arrested in Annapolis?
A former prosecutor knows how the state builds its case, what evidence prosecutors prioritize, and where weaknesses or constitutional violations are likely to appear. That experience informs strategy from the initial hearing through trial.
How does a former prosecutor help in building a criminal defense?
A motion to suppress asks the court to exclude evidence obtained through an illegal search, unlawful arrest, or violation of your constitutional rights. If granted, the state may be unable to prove its case and charges may be dismissed or reduced.
What is a motion to suppress and when is it used?
Yes. Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law is federally barred and can represent clients in federal court and in matters involving military jurisdiction, including cases arising from incidents at the Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Can you handle cases involving the Naval Academy or federal charges?
Outcomes include dismissal, acquittal at trial, reduction of charges through plea negotiation, diversion or probation, suspended sentences, or conviction with incarceration. The result depends on the strength of the evidence, legal issues in the case, and your criminal history.
What are the possible outcomes in a criminal case?
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in Anne Arundel County, call Kathleen M. Kirchner Attorney At Law at (410) 280-1777 to schedule a consultation and begin building your defense.