Murder, Theft, DUI, and Fraud: How We Challenge Calvert ChargesMurder, Theft, DUI or Fraud—Calvert Prosecutors Stack Charges. We Push Back.
One Bad Night in Calvert County Can Cost You Everything—Unless You Read This First
As a criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC in Calvert County, I know that even though our county’s crime rates are low, any arrest can have devastating consequences.
Under Maryland law, every category of charge—from white‑collar fraud to violent assault—carries serious penalties, and a conviction can leave a permanent mark.
In this post, I’ll explain the legal stakes and recent trends in Calvert County (for both adults and juveniles) for each major crime category, drawing on real cases and data.
I’ll also show how clever defense work can minimize charges, jail time or long‐term fallout by leveraging local legal experience.
White Collar Crime in Calvert County
White‐collar offenses in Calvert County – like embezzlement, fraud, identity theft or corruption – may not involve violence, but Maryland treats them as serious felonies.
Even nonviolent schemes carry significant prison time. For example, state data note that a bank check fraud ring can lead to harsh penalties. “Check fraud is a serious white‐collar crime that can carry significant penalties”.
In Maryland the average jail term for a white‐collar conviction ranges from 5 to 10 years, plus heavy fines, forfeiture of assets, restitution and probation. (Embezzling over $10,000 becomes a felony and carries 1–5 years in prison.)
Even a single felony can derail a career or professional license.
- Trends & cases: We have seen Calvert residents charged with local financial crimes – for example, a Pennsylvania man pleading guilty to credit card fraud in Calvert Circuit Court (2022) – and defendants from outside MD prosecuted here under Maryland law. The county’s low volume of white‐collar cases means prosecutors often pressure for substantial penalties.
- Defense focus: A skilled lawyer at Haskell & Dyer will scrutinize the evidence (questioning intent and paperwork trails) and negotiate with the State. If the amount taken is on the line between misdemeanor and felony, we might aim to reduce an embezzlement count under $10K to a lesser charge. If possible, we push for diversion (like restitution and community service) and fight unconstitutional searches or vague evidence. Our local experience means we know which judges might accept a plea deal instead of the maximum time.
DUI and Traffic Offensesin Calvert County
Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI) is common in Calvert County and aggressively policed. Maryland law criminalizes Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with strict mandatory penalties. A first‐time DUI can mean up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine; a repeat DUI within five years raises the penalty dramatically (up to 2 years in jail and a $2,000 fine on a second offense). Multiple DWI convictions similarly carry mandatory minimum jail terms (e.g. a five‐day minimum on a second offense). Beyond jail and fines, Maryland points and license suspensions apply, often with interlock device requirements.
- Trends: In spring 2025 alone, weekly Calvert crime reports show several DUI arrests each week. For example, one April 2025 blotter lists six separate DUI arrests in a single week. That underscores how common DUI stops are – and how a conviction is far from guaranteed to be “just a ticket.”
- Defense focus: I always advise clients that any DUI conviction will have long‐term impacts (insurance hikes, job issues, etc.). Our strategy is to challenge each element – breath test accuracy, traffic stop legality, Miranda warnings, field sobriety techniques – seeking to exclude evidence. Prosecutors often charge both DUI and the lesser DWI charge so they have “bait‐and‐switch” bargaining power; we work to eliminate the lesser charge outright or frame the facts to avoid a conviction at trial. Even for minor traffic violations (reckless driving, suspended license, etc.), we aggressively negotiate. In some Calvert courts, skilled attorneys can get cases placed on a “stet docket” (paused) with conditions rather than a conviction, or seek probation before judgment to avoid a permanent record. Our knowledge of local judges and prosecutors means we tailor pleas that balance safety and leniency.
Violent Crimes in Calvert County
Assault and other violent crimes are taken very seriously in Calvert County. Even seemingly “simple” assaults can be charged as felonies (for example, first‑degree assault carries up to 25 years in prison). Recent cases highlight the stakes. In one 2025 Calvert case, a driver led deputies on a 100 mph chase and eventually rammed police cars; he was booked on two counts of first‑degree assault (25‐year max each) and two counts of second‑degree assault (10‐year max). That high‐speed pursuit shows how violent encounters with officers can quickly escalate to decades behind bars.
- Trends: Calvert generally has few homicide‐level crimes (the county’s low crime rate means murders are rare), but we see periodic episodes of brutal violence. For example, Calvert juries convicted a man for the 2023 shooting and dismemberment of a victim – a case where state lawyers are seeking life without parole for murder. Less severe assaults (on family, dating partners, police) still trigger felonies.
- Defense focus: In any violent case, we thoroughly vet self‐defense claims, intent, and any provocations. We ensure constitutional rights were protected (was the defendant properly Mirandized? Was evidence collected legally?). Our firm also seeks alternatives if possible – Maryland law and Calvert courts may allow domestic violence offenders into specialized treatment or alternative sentencing programs, depending on the facts. We negotiate vigorously on charges (e.g., downgrading first‑degree to second‑degree assault) and fight enhancements like “use of weapon” if facts permit. By pointing out lack of prior record, community ties or mental health issues, we try to keep a client out of prison or reduce bail.
Weapons Crimes in Calvert County
Maryland has strict firearms laws, and Calvert’s sheriff and state police have been active in weapons enforcement. A routine traffic stop in Chesapeake Beach (March 2025) turned up a loaded AR-15 style pistol with 25 rounds in a car.
The driver was charged with multiple weapons felonies (loaded handgun in a vehicle, handgun in a vehicle) plus drug possession.
In another case, a Leonardtown woman was arrested in 2025 after deputies found a concealed knife during a traffic stop. Even carrying a knife or replica weapon can lead to criminal charges (“concealed dangerous weapon” in Maryland).
- Consequences: Possession of a regulated firearm illegally (no permit) is usually a felony (punishable by years in prison). “Loaded handgun in vehicle” is a misdemeanor but can lead to jail if other factors exist. In the Chesapeake Beach case the man faced misdemeanor charges but was held on bond before trial. If the gun is stolen or used in another felony, penalties skyrocket.
- Defense focus: A local defense attorney will check every detail: Was the stop lawful? Was the gun discovered in plain view or through an improper search? Did the client lawfully have a permit? For juveniles or first offenders, we seek diversion (like weapons‐safety courses) or argue the weapon didn’t qualify as illegal. We negotiate charges (e.g. dropping “loaded” to simple possession) and push for probation or time served if possible. Our familiarity with Calvert’s police tactics (e.g. traffic checkpoints, K-9 alerts) helps us spot illegal stops or overreaching. The goal is always to avoid the 5–10+ years in prison Maryland might otherwise demand for gun crimes.
Juvenile Offenses in Calvert County
When youth are caught in trouble, Calvert’s juvenile court handles the case differently than adult court.
In Maryland, a minor under 18 is typically dealt with through rehabilitation-focused proceedings. State data show that juveniles account for a very small share of violent crime and that overall youth arrests have been declining for years.
For example, Maryland reports that in 2021 adults made up 93% of homicide arrests, and juvenile complaints have fallen by over 50% from a decade ago.
This means a typical 15‑year‑old charged with theft or assault is likely to face diversion or juvenile‐based sanctions, not prison.
- How juveniles are treated: An intake officer can even resolve a case with an “informal adjustment” instead of formal charges – requiring counseling, community service, or a diversion program. If a petition is filed, the Juvenile Court may adjudicate delinquency and impose probation, home supervision, or placement in a juvenile facility, but the records can often be sealed once the youth turns 21. (Only the most serious crimes – certain gun charges or repeat violent felonies – may be sent up to adult court, though recent legislative proposals have aimed to limit that.)
- Defense focus: At Haskell & Dyer, we work to keep kids in the juvenile system and out of adult jail. We negotiate informal adjustments whenever possible and push for rehabilitation programs. If a young client faces adult charges (for example, a 17‑year‑old with multiple felonies), we argue for youthful offender status. We also work with schools and counselors – sometimes the answer is an alternative to court (like a mentoring program) rather than formal prosecution. Our knowledge of Calvert’s juvenile judges and services means we tailor interventions (anger management, tutoring, etc.) that courts favor, reducing the risk of detention or a scarlet letter for life.
Theft and Robbery in Calvert County
Petty theft and retail crimes are very common charges in Calvert County. Shoplifting or vehicle theft (motor vehicle theft and burglary) can lead to misdemeanors or felonies depending on the amount stolen. For example, Calvert prosecutors charged a 21‑year‑old man with misdemeanor theft under $100 (stealing $8 worth of pain relievers), plus disorderly conduct. Even that minor case landed him in jail on an OR bond and forced court attention.
On the other end, armed robberies trigger maximum penalties. A dramatic example was the May 2023 Dunkirk bank robbery, where armed suspects got at most $1,000. Local courts later sentenced the accomplices to decades in prison: one defendant received 40 years (15 years active), another 32 years.
Maryland law mandates serving at least half of those terms because robbery is a “violent crime”.
- Trends: Calvert’s theft rates are low overall (the county’s crime rate is the state’s lowest), but police still make regular arrests for shoplifting, fraud, and burglary. Such cases often follow a similar pattern: local PD obtains video or witness IDs, makes an arrest, and the State offers plea deals (often probation or short jail) especially on first offenses. In 2024, SM News reported theft charges in Prince Frederick where a suspect’s backpack had stolen goods and even unprescribed Suboxone strips.
- Defense focus: Defense attorneys work to avoid felony labels (e.g. keeping theft totals under the felony threshold of $1,500) and to qualify clients for programs like the civil citations or diversionary “Stet” docket. For repeat offenders, we present mitigation (financial hardship or drug issues) to try for probation before judgment. In the armed robbery scenario, our office would rigorously examine evidence (fingerprints, eyewitness ID, video) and push for the lightest charge supported. We know Calvert judges’ sentencing habits and seek alternatives such as work-release or drug treatment in lieu of long incarceration.
Murder and Homicide in Calvert County
Murder is exceedingly rare in Calvert County, but when it happens, the penalties are the maximum the law allows.
Maryland defines first-degree murder as intentional killing (with a deadly weapon or extreme cruelty) and punishes it by life imprisonment without parole.
Felony murder (killing during a robbery, etc.) also carries life. Calvert saw a brutal 2023 case where the accused shot and dismembered a victim; prosecutors are seeking life without parole.
Any homicide conviction in Calvert means an automatic review by the State Attorney and, given the stakes, usually a jury trial.
- Trends: Thanks to vigilant patrols and neighbors who report suspicious activities, Calvert’s homicide rate has remained near zero. (In 2024 it was the lowest in MD.) But new cases can draw intense resources: special prosecutors and investigators will hunt any lead. For lesser charges, like manslaughter or negligent homicide, sentences are lighter but still often years in prison. Maryland law also provides for “malicious maiming” charges which can apply for certain violent non-fatal assaults, carrying 1-20 years.
- Defense focus: In any life‑or‑death case, we move immediately to preserve evidence and witnesses, and to explore every defense (self‐defense, mistaken identity, alibi, mental health issues, police errors). Even in seemingly open‑and‑shut cases, we fight to let the jury hear our side of the story. Our firm also leverages Calvert’s alternative programs: even murder defendants may qualify for mental health evaluations. If plea bargains arise (e.g. pleading guilty to second-degree murder to avoid a jury life sentence), we negotiate for the lowest possible term with eligibility for eventual parole. Above all, we prepare for trial because a death sentence in Maryland is life imprisonment, and a skilled defense might just make the difference between parole in 30 years versus none.
Sex Crimes in Calvert County
Sexual offenses carry some of the most severe and long-lasting penalties in Maryland, and Calvert County prosecutes them vigorously. Charges range from indecent exposure and second-degree assault (sexual) up to first-degree rape or sex with minors. First‑degree rape in Maryland can mean life in prison, and when victims are children even minimums apply (e.g. 25 years for assaulting a child under 13).
Recent Calvert cases reflect this severity. In 2025, a Huntingtown man (Daniel Coulson) was sentenced to 20 years in prison for abusing a minor.
He will also face 5 years’ probation post-release and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
In another case, a jury convicted a local man of child rape and sexual abuse, jeopardizing him of a life term.
- Trends: Sex crime convictions are rare in Calvert (the State’s Attorney’s office handled only a few such adult cases per year), but each garners heavy publicity and resources. Child abuse cases often involve extensive investigation – for example, the Coulson case took years of CPS involvement and DNA evidence. Adult sexual assault cases (stranger rape, acquaintance assault) draw interviews, forensic tests, and victim support services before charges.
- Defense focus: These cases are life-altering, so our defense is meticulous. We ensure accusers’ statements were properly recorded, challenge any hearsay or consent issues, and demand scientific proof. If there’s any question, we work to get expert witnesses (medical experts, psychologists) for the client’s side. Even if the facts are strong, we negotiate for reduced charges (for example, second-degree instead of first-degree, or indecent exposure instead of assault) and for treatment or counseling options. We also guide clients through sex-offender registration procedures, since in Maryland that registry can last decades. In short, because convictions lead to very harsh penalties (decades in prison and lifelong stigma), it is critical to have a trial lawyer who knows Maryland’s sex‑crimes statutes and Calvert’s prosecutorial practices inside and out.
Throughout all these situations, The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer, LLC offers experienced, strategic representation tailored to Calvert County.
We know local judges, prosecutors and probation officers. We navigate Calvert’s specific programs (like mental health court or drug court when applicable) and leverage neighborhood ties or character references that matter here.
And we never forget: our job is to protect your rights at every step – from the initial booking through jury selection and beyond – so that you don’t face excessive charges or sentences.
By challenging every weak spot and negotiating aggressively, we work to keep our clients out of jail as much as possible and minimize fines or collateral consequences.
If you or a family member is facing any criminal charge in Calvert County, consult a seasoned Calvert defense attorney right away. Early intervention is key to getting the best possible outcome.
Citations
Calvert County State’s Attorney. (2025, January 2). Calvert County has lowest crime rate in Maryland.
Retrieved from https://calvertstatesattorney.com/calvert-county-has-lowest-crime-rate-in-maryland/
Calvert County State’s Attorney. (2025, April 11). Coulson sentenced for sex abuse.
Retrieved from https://calvertstatesattorney.com/coulson-sentenced-for-sex-abuse/
Calvert County State’s Attorney. (2025, April 10). Holbrook convicted of murder.
Retrieved from https://calvertstatesattorney.com/holbrook-convicted-of-murder/
Southern Maryland News Net. (2024, October 18). Solomons man arrested for theft, disorderly conduct, and drug possession in Prince Frederick.
Retrieved from https://smnewsnet.com/archives/539678/solomons-man-arrested-for-theft-disorderly-conduct-and-drug-possession-in-prince-frederick/
Southern Maryland News Net. (2024, February 9). UPDATE: D.C. man sentenced to 32 years for involvement in Dunkirk bank robbery, high speed chase and serious crash.
Southern Maryland News Net. (2025, March 31). Chesapeake Beach traffic stop leads to loaded firearm and drug possession arrests.
Retrieved from https://smnewsnet.com/archives/545640/chesapeake-beach-traffic-stop-leads-to-loaded-firearm-and-drug-possession-arrests/
Southern Maryland News Net. (2025, April 16). UPDATE: Two April arrests in St. Mary’s and Calvert counties lead to multiple charges for Leonardtown woman.
The BayNet. (2025, March 5). Suspect leads deputies on high-speed chase through Calvert County, faces assault charges.
Retrieved from https://thebaynet.com/suspect-leads-deputies-on-high-speed-chase-through-calvert-county-faces-assault-charges/
The BayNet. (2025, April 28). Calvert County Sheriff’s Office weekly crime blotter.
Retrieved from https://thebaynet.com/calvert-county-sheriffs-office-weekly-crime-blotter-136/
Maryland Criminal Attorney. (n.d.). Penalties for DUI and DWI in Maryland.
Retrieved from https://mdcriminalattorney.net/maryland-dui-lawyer/penalties/
BeMoreLegal. (n.d.). Are white-collar crimes in Maryland becoming more common?
Retrieved from https://www.bemorelegal.com/blog/are-white-collar-crimes-in-maryland-becoming-more-common
Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. (2023, September). Putting youth crime in Maryland in context.
Retrieved from https://djs.maryland.gov/Documents/MD-DJS-Juvenile-Crime-Data-Brief_20230912.pdf
Maryland People’s Law Library. (n.d.). Juvenile system & juvenile courts.
Retrieved from https://www.peoples-law.org/juvenile-system-juvenile-courts
