Posts by Joseph Carey
What Teachers and Child Care Professionals Need to Know About Legalized Marijuana
With the start of the new school year in September 2023, students, teachers, and parents need to understand how Maryland’s new recreational marijuana law applies. Fundamentally, anyone who attends a school, works in a school, or provides daycare services needs to understand that there are state laws and there are educational regulations. Violations of the…
Read MoreOnline “Pranks” Can Lead to an Arrest
While they may be fun or seem harmless to the poster, some online pranks can harm other people. They can also use up valuable police resources until the police determine what is true and what is false. A few recent examples illustrate that youngsters, teenagers, and adults of all ages need to understand that social…
Read MoreHow to Talk to Your Children About Consent, Before It’s Too Late
As the new school term starts in both college and high school, parents and students need to discuss what type of sexual activity might lead to criminal charges. Parents of students who don’t attend college should also discuss with their children what sexual activity may be illegal. While there are many things to discuss such…
Read MoreIs Driving Under the Influence a Felony in Maryland?
In most cases, DUI offenses by themselves are misdemeanors. DUIs may become felonies if additional circumstances add to the severity of the offense, such as if someone is killed. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, there are often defenses. The police may not be able to prove that you were intoxicated or…
Read MoreYou Can Be Arrested at Any Time for Felony Assault in Maryland
Did you know you can be arrested for a felony assault at any time here in Maryland, no matter when it occurred? The reason for this is because Maryland has no statute of limitations on felony grade assault crimes. But what is a statute of limitations? In the realm of criminal law, statutes of limitations…
Read MoreThere’s No Such Thing as a Marijuana Field Sobriety Test
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) have long been utilized by law enforcement to detect alcohol impairment in drivers. However, with the recent legalization of marijuana in Maryland, concerns arise regarding the potential use of similar tests for marijuana impairment on drivers. Given the flaws in the long-used field sobriety tests for alcohol impairment, we should question…
Read MoreMaryland Should Record All Interrogations
Not only Maryland, but all states should mandate recording of all interrogations. It is shocking, with the accessibility and ease of recording technology today, that such a serious legal matter as a criminal interrogation cannot be recorded for reference purposes; but this is the reality in the United States today. According to an October 2022…
Read MoreMy Child Is Facing a DUI Charge in Maryland. What Do I Do?
Finding out that your child is facing a DUI charge is a stressful situation for any parent. Regardless of their age, if this is your child’s first criminal charge, they are likely reeling from the incident. From future implications to social stigma, this event can have a significant impact on their self-image during key developmental…
Read MoreUS Supreme Court Provides First Amendment Protections for Threat and Stalking Crimes
The US Supreme Court ruled on June 27, 2023, in a 7-2 decision, that statements that qualify as “true threats” are not protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution – unless the government can show that the defendant who made the statements had some understanding of the threatening nature of the threats. This…
Read MoreThe Collateral Consequences of a Drug Conviction
A drug conviction carries much more than just immediate legal penalties. Beyond things like fines, probation, or prison time, individuals convicted of drug crimes can face what’s called “collateral consequences.” These can have a significant effect on one’s life. Collateral consequences, which can extend long beyond a direct sentence, can affect various aspects of your…
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Miranda Rights: What You Should Know
If you find yourself in a criminal situation, it is crucial to understand – and assert – your rights to protect yourself. One of the most fundamental rights you have in the United States is Miranda Rights, and it is vital you know what these are. These rights, established by the landmark Supreme Court case…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Elements of a Strong Defense Strategy
When facing criminal charges, a strong defense strategy is essential for protecting your rights, ensuring a fair trial, and achieving the best possible outcome. A well-crafted defense strategy takes into account the specific circumstances of your case, examines the evidence, and aims to challenge the prosecution’s case. Today we want to discuss the elements of…
Read MoreMyths and Misconceptions About Ignition Interlock Devices
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are a tool used by authorities in preventing drunk driving incidents and improving road safety. However, certain misconceptions and myths surrounding IIDs can hinder their acceptance and effectiveness. If you are facing using an IID in your vehicle, it is important to understand the truth behind what they are, in order…
Read MoreA Recent Maryland Appellate Court Decision May Affect Your Security Clearance
The Maryland Appellate Court, Maryland’s second-highest court, ruled recently that a man who had a federal misdemeanor conviction on his criminal record since 1999 was properly denied a handgun qualification license based on Maryland law. The case is likely to affect more than the right of Maryland residents to own a gun. If you need…
Read MoreHow Your Mental Health Can Affect a Criminal Charge
Many states still struggle with identifying and treating mental illness of those who commit crimes rather than resorting to incarceration—and Maryland is unfortunately one of them. In this day and age, most people have become aware of how the mental health status of a defendant can significantly impact the outcome of their criminal charges. Despite…
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About Federal Drug Charges
Most drug possession crimes in Maryland are prosecuted at the state level. However, they can sometimes be bumped to federal charges in certain scenarios. Something like getting caught with drugs while on federal property can result in serious legal consequences, including hefty fines and long prison sentences. When it comes to battling a drug charge…
Read MoreMarijuana Can Cost You Your Security Clearance
Working in certain roles for the federal government requires you to apply for security clearance, as many positions may involve access to classified information. The process of vetting employees who apply for clearance is designed to ensure that those who work in these positions are trustworthy and reliable. Even after you receive security clearance, you…
Read MoreHow Will a DUI Affect My Car Insurance?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Maryland, and it can come with serious consequences as well. Apart from legal troubles and hefty fines, a DUI conviction can also have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. After a driver has been caught with at least an .08% blood-alcohol concentration (BAC)…
Read MoreCan You Challenge Blood Test Results for DUI?
Dealing with a DUI charge can be an extremely stressful experience. One mistake of getting behind the wheel after a few drinks can cost you months of legal troubles—and maybe even your freedom. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 11,654 people killed in car crashes where at least 1 driver…
Read MoreWoman’s DUI Stop Leads to Lifesaving Brain Surgery
Last December, some police got a call about a suspected drunk driver. They did find an erratic driver, and what they would do next would change the driver’s life – and for the better. However, this isn’t a story of someone with an alcohol dependency hitting rock bottom. In fact, it’s a story of someone…
Read MoreRap Artist Afroman Sued by Police Who Raided His Home
After police wrongly raided his home last summer, rap artist Afroman decided to make light of his losses and release an album and videos using home footage of the situation. Now, he’s facing charges from seven of the officers involved in the raid, citing invasion of privacy and public humiliation. What kind of recourse do…
Read MoreWhat Makes a Traffic Stop Legal?
If you have ever been behind the wheel, you most likely have experienced the fear or worry of being pulled over or have actually had a police officer pull you over. This may lead you to wonder what makes a traffic stop legal or illegal, which is a typical curiosity when these instances occur. The…
Read MoreWhen Is Video Admissible in a Criminal Case?
It has become very common for people to record important things happening in their lives. In fact, you cannot go anywhere without seeing someone pulling out their camera or cell phone to record something. Therefore, when a crime is occurring either to you or to another person, one of your first impulses may be to…
Read MoreThere’s No Such Thing as a DUI Loophole
In Maryland, lawmakers and families are trying to close a “loophole” in the state’s DUI law. They want to close this loophole because they do not believe their family members who were killed in drunk driving accidents received the justice they deserved, and they say that closing the loophole will save lives. The reason why…
Read MoreThat Amendment Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means
Spend any time on social media and you’re bound to run into them: the so-called Constitutional scholars who earned their stripes listening to news shows or following attorneys on Twitter. We used to think that these folks were harmless, and perhaps they are – but we’re seeing some disturbing trends when it comes to understanding…
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