How a Glen Burnie Man Admitted to Murder but Avoided Prison

There is an old trope in film and television about pleading “insanity” to go free from a murder case. In Maryland, claiming that a client is “not criminally responsible” is a tough row to hoe, and it is not used all that often. Which is why the murder case of Tyrique Hudson, and the subsequent…

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Maryland Has Officially Made Strangulation a Felony

Maryland lawmakers have increased the severity and penalties for charge of strangulation, making it a felony crime instead of a misdemeanor. This change coincided with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you have been charged with strangulation, you will face a tougher battle to retain your rights and freedoms. A special unit at Frederick Health Hospital…

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Chadwick Boseman Died without a Will – What Happens Next?

On August 28, 2020, actor Chadwick Boseman, best known for the blockbuster movie “Black Panther,” died of colon cancer at age forty-three. His death came as a shock to fans and the general public, due to his young age and the fact that he kept his illness and medical treatments private. Shortly before his death,…

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How Does Jurisdiction Work?

The Constitution of the United States delineates areas of jurisdiction within the nation, allotting certain obligations and rights to both the federal government and state governments. Jurisdiction involves a court’s power to hear and adjudicate cases. Under criminal law, the imposition of punishment is connected with the proper jurisdiction. If a court does not have…

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Expunging a Juvenile’s Record in Maryland

Expungement is the action of the state to remove a police or court record of an individual from public view and inspection. Expungement may involve the relocation of the record to a secure area to prevent individuals who have no right to see the record from seeing it, or it may involve the destruction of…

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Overhaul of Campus Sexual Assault Standards Earns Praise from Some Scholars

Back in early May, the U.S. Department of Education issued a series of new standards that govern how educational institutions are to implement Title IX. These revamped regulations are a complete overhaul from the previous administration’s regulations as it concerns policies and procedures about sexual assault and harassment allegations. Universities and other institutions of learning…

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COVID-19 and Inmate Release Issues

The coronavirus pandemic has been sweeping across the nation over the last four months, including in jails and prisons in many states. In these facilities it is difficult in many cases to maintain proper social distancing between inmates. Due to these concerns, many politicians and advocates have promoted successfully the idea of releasing inmates, particularly…

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What Happens If I Get Arrested at a Protest?

Protests come in various sizes. Sometimes only a small handful of people gather holding signs, and at other times hundreds congregate and march down streets demanding certain changes in society. At times these protests involve certain individuals exhibiting disorderly conduct or breaking other laws. Depending on the type of demonstration involved, it is important to…

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Frequently Asked Questions about Parole in Maryland

Parole is a method for a prisoner to be released from prison before he/she has completed his/her full sentence. Parole is determined in Maryland by the Division of Parole and Probation. It is a way of reducing the prison population and rewarding good behavior in prison. Parole may be granted only after there is parole…

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Montgomery County Is Aggressively Targeting Drunk Drivers

Though the COVID-19 crisis has forced people to stay at home or limit their activities, there are still many drivers on the road. Police in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland are targeting drivers for speeding, DUIs, and other traffic offenses. Conviction for a DUI can result in prison time, substantial fines, loss of driving privileges,…

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The Risks of Interlock Ignition Devices

Maryland requires some drivers who are found guilty of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. Additionally, drivers can be required to use an IID due to an administrative suspension, or as part of their eligibility for a work permit license. According to the…

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Statute of Limitations & Uninsured Motorist Claims

We have car insurance to protect ourselves (and others) financially in the event of an accident. It prevents us from having to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses, vehicle damages, and other costs after a car wreck. One form of auto insurance available is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Uninsured motorist coverage is meant to cover your…

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Does the Chief Judge of the highest court of Maryland have the legal authority to suspend a Statute of Limitations in the Maryland Code due to a health emergency for an entire community?

Although we have never been in this situation before, I would say that the answer is probably yes. In Maryland (as in other jurisdictions), the statute of limitations is “procedural.” Doughty v. Prettyman, 219 Md. 83, 88 (1959). Further, Article IV, § 18(a) of the Maryland Constitution provides: The Court of Appeals from time to…

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Are Maryland’s “Stay At Home” Orders Constitutional?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many governors across the nation are signing executive orders regarding sheltering in place and staying at home – prohibiting large gatherings, public meetings, and requiring closings of non-essential businesses. When Governor Larry Hogan issued his Stay at Home Order on March 30, he said, “This is a deadly public health…

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The Maryland Criminal Justice System during the Coronavirus Crisis

The COVID-19 health crisis has changed the ways the Maryland criminal courts and other courts and agencies operate. Many courts and agencies have suspended services which affect the rights of those with pending cases, those with outstanding charges, and those who need to use the agencies to restore their licenses and start their life again.…

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Shoplifting Offenses and the Juvenile Justice System in Maryland

When someone under the age of 18 commits a crime, they’re not dealt with through the adult criminal justice system, but through the juvenile justice system instead. Here in Maryland, the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) has its own intake, court, prosecutors, detention, and rules. However, a criminal offense is still a criminal offense, and…

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How Do I Get My Driver’s License Back after a DUI in Maryland?

As we all know, Maryland and the entire country has laws that intend to keep drunk drivers off the road. If someone intentionally breaks these laws and is convicted of DUI or DWI, their driver’s license can be indefinitely suspended or revoked. Once this has happened to you, after you have served the conditions of…

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How to Obtain a Restricted Driver’s License

After a DUI conviction or motor vehicle violation, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Association (MVA) will take steps to revoke or suspend your driver’s license. However, you may be eligible for a restricted license instead of having your license suspended or revoked. A restricted license is a way for you to continue to drive for the…

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