Kent County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Like most Eastern Shore areas, Kent Count is predominantly rural and has a relatively low population density.  The county’s total population is about 25 thousands residents, and this number is growing as more people are starting to commute across the Bay Bridge.  The county’s temporary population rises during Washington College’s academic year.  The school is one of the largest institutions and employers on the Eastern Shore, and is a popular and well-respected college that attracts students from all over the country.  Commercial and residential development has increased to meet the demands of the population, and the miles of farmland are now broken up by neighborhoods and shopping centers.  But the county still has not lost its reputation or its charm as one of the most pristine areas in Maryland.

The largest city in Kent County is Chestertown, which is also the home of Washington College.  It is the county seat and the location of the district and circuit courts, so if you are arrested or cited for a crime anywhere in the county, your case will be handled here.  The county’s crime rate is not particularly high, but is consistent with other Eastern Shore areas.  The Kent County Sheriff’s Department keeps detailed crime statistics, and releases them each year to the public.  While not the only law enforcement agency in the county, the sheriff’s office does deal with the majority of the area’s criminal and traffic cases.  In 2012, the department made about 500 criminal arrests and issued another 150 criminal summons.  Drug or CDS violations were the most common crime, with burglary, theft, and 2nd degree assault close behind.  The sheriff’s department made about 80 drug arrests for offenses such as possession of marijuana and cocaine, or possession with intent to sell.  The department reported 70 theft arrests, and about 60 burglary and assault arrests.  

As for major traffic offenses, the county sheriff made about 80 DWI arrests, and almost 700 for non drunk driving offenses such as driving on a suspended license or hit and run.  This number is significantly higher than the number of criminal arrests because the sheriff’s department’s main functions are divided between highway patrol and calls for service.  The local police departments in the county’s incorporated cities predominately respond to calls for service.  The largest of these police departments is the Chestertown Police, which not only is responsible for law enforcement in the capital city, but also on the campus of Washington College.  The CPD does not release as detailed of an annual report as the sheriff’s department, but year in and year out the majority of their arrests are made for drug crimes and DUI.  Like all other counties in Maryland, the most common drug is marijuana, and despite recent law changes by the legislature there is no sign of these cases disappearing from the Kent County criminal dockets.  The Herbst Firm’s lawyers specialize in all types of criminal defense from traffic cases to felonies, and we are available 24 hours a day to provide a free consultation.  The firm also represents a large number of out of state clients and college students, and we understand the importance of a swift and favorable resolution in these, and all of our other cases.