Being on the Sex Offender Registry Can Affect Your Entire Life
Certain criminal convictions require individuals to be placed on lists, due to their crimes being considered a threat to the general public. For example, the United States has “no-fly” lists for anyone who has raised concerns of being potentially tied to terrorism. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains a list of the ten most…
Read MorePenalties for Drug Crimes Within School Zones
It is no secret that the United States has a prison problem. Prisons far too full, and the government spends no small amount of money housing prisoners. Thanks to the failed “War on Drugs,” there are people serving sentences of ten, twenty, even up to thirty years in prison for non-violent crimes. For many, these…
Read MoreWhat Is Boating Under the Influence?
With the winter season beginning to wane, it is the time of year that we begin to dream about sunshine, warm weather, and getting out on the ocean. Summertime has always been the time of year when we plan all our outdoor activities, including relaxation and play. If you have a boat (or plan on…
Read MoreCan I Be Charged with a Crime if My Autonomous Car Causes a Fatal Accident?
Autonomous cars are here, and more Americans are purchasing vehicles that have some of their features: lane assist, automatic braking, and so forth. Most people may think these vehicles, which come with modes called “autopilot” or something similar, are fully capable of driving themselves, and that human intervention is not as necessary as it actually…
Read MoreWhy Are Nurses Abusing Prescription Drugs?
The pandemic has been difficult for all of us. A new and contagious virus combined with the solitude of staying at home to avoid catching it makes our lives different and more complicated than they have been in the past. It makes sense that many of us are seeking outlets to escape the situations that…
Read MoreThe Impact of Criminal Convictions on Security Clearances in Maryland
If you were to ask the average person what punishments they think of when they hear the words “criminal conviction,” you would likely hear answers like “jail time” or “fines.” Others might mention restitution, or the loss of the right to vote. All of these penalties are, of course, possible – but there are collateral…
Read MoreCan I Be Arrested for DUI if I’m Asleep in My Parked Car?
Nobody wants an arrest – or charge, or conviction – for driving under the influence (DUI). We go to great lengths to avoid it, from assigning a designated driver to staying sober to calling a rideshare instead. What if these options fall through and you are left alone with your vehicle? You certainly do not…
Read MoreOcean City Road Rage Incident Leads to Felony Assault Charge
A road rage incident occurring in Ocean City, Maryland last month almost turned deadly after one of the parties allegedly pulled a knife out during the altercation. According to police reports, the incident began when a driver (we’ll call him “John Doe,” as his name was not released) made a lane change in front of…
Read MoreFormer Caroline County Deputy Involved in Felony Theft Case
A former Caroline County deputy is awaiting sentencing towards the end of this month for violating his presentence release terms in November. Steven Biddle pleaded guilty to felony theft in August after allegedly reaching out to several community members and loved ones for exorbitant amounts of money under the false guise of damages for a…
Read MoreBaltimore Public Works Employee Facing Multiple Charges
Before last year came to a close, one Baltimore Public Works employee wanted to end the year on a high note. The employee was accused of stealing a truck owned by the city with the intention of stealing a bank ATM machine. On December 29, Baltimore County Police received a call around 3:30 a.m. about…
Read MoreHidden Police Quotas Cost the People
Ideally, police pull someone over when they are driving dangerously or otherwise breaking the law. In the case of reckless driving, this is to help protect everyone else from a possible accident and deter the driver from doing it in the future. We know this. It is no secret that it happens, and statistically, it…
Read MoreResisting Arrest in Maryland: What You Need to Know
The most important thing you need to remember if you are arrested – whether you committed a crime or not – is that if you resist through force, you can be charged with another crime. However, it is paramount you understand your rights, as resisting arrest charges are complex and, depending on the circumstances, may…
Read MoreRobbery, Theft, and Assault: Crimes Against People vs. Property
Legalese is as confusing as it is intimidating. While all the intricacies of the law are in place to make it as fair as possible, it still has the unfortunate result of alienating those it is meant to protect. Of course, pop culture is no help, with how frequently legal language is misused in shows…
Read MoreWhen Will Maryland See Marijuana Legalization?
As more and more states legalize recreational marijuana use, it remains unlawful in the state of Maryland. Anything under 10 grams of pot is a civil offense with a $100 fine, and anything under 10 pounds is a misdemeanor that comes along with jail time and a $1,000 fine. Public use can also net you…
Read MoreField Sobriety Tests Lead to Unjust DUIs
A DUI charge can derail and complicate your life in multiple ways. From high fines to substantial time behind bars, to the potentially loss of your employment, this is not a charge to brush off. Officers often decide to make arrests based on what they deem are the results of field sobriety tests. This means…
Read MoreWhat Happens if My Child is Arrested in Maryland?
Even though some parents joke about what they would do if they received a phone call that their child has been arrested, receiving that type of call could be a parent’s worst nightmare. No parent wants to think about their child being left in the hands of other adults that may or may not have…
Read MoreHow to Protect Yourself Online When Using Social Media
Many investigators are beginning to pursue social media or app wiretaps to help prosecute certain crimes. In fact, there are currently nine cases in Maryland where authorities have requested permission to wiretap social media or digital apps,. The most recent example of this phenomenon is a case that happened last year in Harford County. In…
Read MoreWhat Happens If I Violate My Probation in Maryland?
If you have found yourself in a position where you have violated probation in Maryland, you are not alone. Each year, thousands of residents in Maryland are sentenced to probation for many reasons. With jails becoming overpopulated, and probation can serve as an alternative solution that benefits both the probationer and the criminal justice system.…
Read MoreWhat Are the Penalties for Public Intoxication in Maryland?
The crime of public intoxication is exactly what it sounds like. For you to be charged with this offense, it has to be proven that you were either in a public space, and while occupying that public space you were intoxicated. You may think that a misdemeanor charge of public intoxication is essentially harmless; however,…
Read MoreApple’s Intentions Were Good, But Its New Safety Tools Are Questionable
For years, the battle to end online sexual exploitation has been in the hands of law enforcement. In order to protect children from becoming the victims of exploitation and abuse, Apple has collaborated with child safety experts to implement new safety features. Those safety features, however, have been put on hold indefinitely – and rightfully…
Read MoreWhat Is Extortion, and What Defenses May Apply?
The crime of extortion was in the news recently when it was revealed that attorney Michael Avenatti was sentenced to 2 ½ years in jail for attempting to extort Nike, a sportswear manufacturer. Mr. Avenatti became well-known as the attorney for Stormy Daniels. According to BuzzFeed News, federal prosecutors asserted that Avenatti used his fame…
Read MoreWhen Drunk and Drugged Driving Turns Deadly
Any driver who operates his/her vehicle while under the influence of alcohol risks being charged with a DUI. If a person is killed as a result of a drunk driver, a drugged driver, or even a driver who is not quite legally drunk but still impaired by alcohol, that driver could face a different set…
Read MoreThe Pandemic Caused Mass Violations of Constitutional Rights
As criminal trials are resuming due to the vaccinations across the state, the criminal justice system needs to review whether justice delayed is fair justice for some criminal defendants. Many trials were postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to concerns jurors, court personnel, and defendants would become infected through close contact. While it is understandable…
Read MoreJury Finds Capital Gazette Shooter Criminally Responsible for Killing Five People in 2018
Twelve jurors voted unanimously to hold the defendant in the Capital Gazette mass shooting criminally responsible for his actions. The jury consisted of eight men and four women. The family members who attended the trial, which took just under two weeks, thanked the jurors for their verdict. CBS News reported that that one of the…
Read MoreYes, Your High School Student May Be Forced to Register as a Sex Offender
When the news covers student sexual assaults, it usually does so in regard to college students and Title IX claims. Less common, but potentially even more devastating, are sexual assault claims where the accused is a minor. If your child is under the age of 18 and is convicted of certain sexual offenses, he or…
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