States usually try juveniles differently than adults for many reasons. States treat young people who commit crimes differently because they recognize that children should be given time to mature. Many children commit nonviolent offenses such as shoplifting or underage drinking without realizing the full consequences of their actions. The aims of the juvenile system are to: Provide a treatment/rehabilitation plan for juvenile offenders instead of incarceration To remove children from homes and environments that are [...]

Do you have to speak with the police at the police station? Many people think the answer is “yes” because that’s what people on TV crime dramas do. Fortunately, the real world doesn’t follow TV scripts. Unless you are being arrested for a crime, there is normally no requirement that you go to the station with the police. The better alternative is to ask to speak with your criminal defense lawyer. The lawyer can explain [...]

It should come as no surprise that actual appearances in court are not like those portrayed on TV and in the movies. Defendants charged with anything ranging from a traffic offense to a felony need to understand that their appearance and behavior will be judged by judges and juries. How you present yourself matters, and in some cases, it could help you get the outcome you desire. Experienced criminal defense lawyers try to prepare their [...]

The Baltimore Sun reported in April that Maryland’s prison population had fallen to 17,815. It was the first time the prison population was below 18,000 in 30 years. Over the last 10 years, the number of prisoners has dropped by nearly 30%.  The statistics were compiled by the Vera Institute of Justice, which analyzed data from the states and from date compiled by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Justice Reinvestment Act A major reason [...]