Most serious criminal cases (where a prison sentence is likely after conviction) are decided by juries. Juries are generally chosen from the community where the defendant lives. In state court cases, juries are chosen from the county where the defendant lives. In federal cases, the jurors are chosen from several nearby counties. Since jurors decide the fate of a defendant, it’s critical to understand what a juror does. Once the jurors are chosen in criminal [...]

Many Maryland workers need to obtain security clearances to view and handle classified documents as part of their job. The loss of the proper security clearance can mean the loss of your job. A criminal record may affect your security clearance. Often, the best way to keep your security clearance is to obtain a dismissal of the criminal charges, an acquittal, or a plea bargain to a lesser offense that won’t jeopardize your security clearance. [...]

When a car accident happens in Maryland, the police should be called to the scene of the accident. The police clear traffic, obtain each driver’s relevant information (driver’s license, insurance policies, and other information), and tend to anyone who is injured; then, they’ll investigate how the accident happened. If the police believe a crime occurred, they may arrest the driver at the scene. There are many different types of criminal charges that can be filed, [...]

Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is signing an executive order that will pardon approximately 175,000 misdemeanor marijuana charges. This is the largest blanket pardon at the state level to date, and the only pardon that includes misdemeanor convictions for possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, as well as misdemeanor possession convictions. Per AP News, the governor’s office said the following: The Moore-Miller Administration is committed to promoting social equity and ensuring the fair and [...]

There are many stages of a criminal case from the arrest, arraignment, and bail hearing to the criminal discovery process, motions to suppress evidence, and plea bargain negotiations. Carey Law Office has over 40 years of experience and advocacy skills to try your case in state and federal courts. Defendants have the right in Maryland to have a lawyer represent them. If a defendant can’t afford a lawyer, then a defense lawyer will be appointed [...]

Being pulled over by the police can be a nerve-wracking experience, but staying calm and following proper protocol can significantly improve your outcome. Today’s blog equips you with comprehensive knowledge and practical steps to manage a traffic stop safely and respectfully. Before you’re stopped Familiarize yourself with Maryland’s traffic laws and your rights during a police stop. Ensure your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance are easily accessible in your glove compartment or center [...]

Thanks to film, television, and armchair pundits online, a lot of folks have inaccurate expectations and beliefs about the legal system. This can be detrimental if you’re facing criminal charges, as you may act or behave in ways you think will protect your rights – when in fact, they do anything but. This blog aims to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding criminal law and give you more accurate information about your rights, [...]