Charles Waechter | Bel Air Criminal Lawyer

• Member, Shriners International,
  2006 - Present
• Member, Masonic Lodge,
  2005 - Present
• Member, Elks Lodge,
  2000 - Present
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association,
  1985 - Present
• Member, Baltimore County Bar Association,
  1985 - Present

• Preeminent 4.5 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
  2011

I represented a Defendant charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Harford County, Maryland. The allegations involved sexual contact by a grandfather on his grand-daughter. After four days of trial in the Circuit Court for Harford County, the Defendant was found not guilty on the sexual abuse charges. I also represented a Defendant in Baltimore County this year, who was charged with distribution of child pornography, and the Court agreed with me that probation was the appropriate sentence and not active incarceration, which was sought by the State's Attorney.

I built a successful criminal defense practice based upon hard work and surrounding myself with an extremely competent staff, including lawyers and paralegals.

I have always suggested that clients should look for a well experienced criminal defense lawyer who is competent and compassionate.

It is absolutely important that a lawyer be completely familiar with the prosecutor assigned to his or her case and, more importantly, to know how and individual judge will rule on a particular Defendant's case. Building relationships with both prosecutors and judges certainly gives more credibility to the lawyer which will ultimately benefit his or her client.

During a free phone consultation, I generally review the client's charges which I am able to obtain from the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website. I review those charges with the client and ask that the client provide me with a copy of the original statement of charges. I also ask that the potential client provide me with his prior criminal history or serious traffic history. Thereafter, I generally request that the client make an appointment to meet with me in person to discuss the matter in detail.

During a free phone consultation, I generally review the client's charges which I am able to obtain from the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website. I review those charges with the client and ask that the client provide me with a copy of the original statement of charges. I also ask that the potential client provide me with his prior criminal history or serious traffic history. Thereafter, I generally request that the client make an appointment to meet with me in person to discuss the matter in detail.

I have been a criminal defense attorney for over 30 years, handling cases in every jurisdiction in Maryland, as well as in the Federal District Court. Over those 30 years, I have built tremendous professional relationships with prosecutors and judges in all jurisdictions. While I represent clients charged in all criminal matters, my main focus is representing clients charged in sex offense matters and internet child pornography matters.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is the ability to help those individuals charged with any criminal offense. It is absolutely fulfilling when any client shows their appreciation for the hard work and interest that I take in each of their cases.

In addition to practicing law, I enjoy skiing, exercising at the gym, and spending as much time as possible with my wife and children.

I am have been a Mason and active member of S.Gompers-B Franklin Lodge No. 45 and also a member of the Scottish Rite and Boomie Temple for over ten years. I have been an active member with the Elks Lodge-Towson for over fifteen. All of these organizations are charity organizations assisting members of our community.